CDC Eviction Moratorium Extended by One Month!
June 25, 2021 / Source: CFPB
CDC Eviction Moratorium Extended by One Month!
The CDC just extended the CDC eviction moratorium until July 31, 2021. The moratorium was set to expire on June 30, 2021. Here’s what you need to know now:
If you already gave your landlord a copy of the CDC declaration form
If you’ve already submitted the form you are protected until July 31, 2021. Your landlord cannot remove you from your home just because of unpaid rent. Make sure your form is still true and accurate. If not, give your landlord an updated form to stay protected.
If you have not yet submitted the CDC declaration form
If you are having trouble paying your rent, there’s still time to get protected until the end of July. You must take action to avoid eviction for unpaid rent. Learn if you’re eligible and find out how to use the CDC Declaration .
Your right to notice about the CDC order
Starting on May 3, 2021, a debt collector, such as a lawyer or law firm trying to evict you, must give you a notice about the CDC order if they are trying to evict you for not paying your rent. They must send this notice when they send you an eviction notice or eviction lawsuit if the CDC order might reasonably apply to you. They may also give you notice about any state or local protections that could protect you from eviction. Learn more about your tenant and debt collection rights related to the CDC order.
Get help with paying rent and utilities
You or your landlord may be able to apply for financial assistance depending on where you live.
- Money can be used to cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs
- Payments usually go directly to landlords and utility companies
Money may be available to help with moving costs. Learn more about rental assistance.
To find rental assistance in your area and learn how to apply, visit the US. Department of Treasury’s lookup tool .
What you can do next
If you already gave your landlord the CDC Declaration, here are some steps you can take, depending on your situation.
If an eviction lawsuit has NOT been filed
If you want to stay in your home, make a plan to catch up on your rent.
Get help with rent and utilities. You can apply to state or local organizations for federal money to cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs. Learn more about emergency rental assistance.
Talk with your landlord about making a repayment plan. The CDC moratorium ends on July 31, so find out if your landlord is willing to work with you or if they plan to file an eviction lawsuit. Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting the conversation started.
If an eviction lawsuit HAS been filed against you
Too many renters give up before they have a chance to go to court. You don’t have to be one of them. Help is available.
Talk with a lawyer, don’t delay. You may qualify for free legal help . If you’re a servicemember, talk with your local Legal Assistance Office .
Learn more from the court. You can call the court clerk and ask these questions about your case:
- Is there a deadline for me to file an answer?
- Is there a court date yet?
- Can the court help me work something out with my landlord? Does the court offer mediation or housing counselors?
- Can I get more time to apply for rental assistance?
File an answer. If you don’t have a lawyer yet, you can file an answer on your own.
- Let the court know that you gave your landlord a CDC Declaration.
- Explain your situation and what you are doing to try and find help.
- If you applied for rental assistance and are waiting for a decision from a local organization, include that in your answer, too.
The judge doesn’t have to dismiss the eviction because you are trying to get help, but sometimes they can give you more time to try and pay your rent. You may be able to find more help specific to your state .
Has a court ruled that you can be evicted?
If a court has already ruled or ordered that you can be physically evicted or removed from your home, you can still use the CDC Declaration to delay being removed from your home until July 31, 2021. Learn how to submit the CDC Declaration. Here are some other steps you can take.
Find out about state or local protections. Some state and local areas have eviction moratoriums that delay evictions beyond July 31, 2021. Use this tool to find out about state and local eviction moratoriums .
Apply for help to cover the cost of moving, a security deposit, and application fees. Emergency rental assistance isn’t just for back rent. Find out if your local rental assistance program is offering help to people seeking a new home. Find your local rental assistance program .
If you are not protected by a moratorium, ask these questions:
When will the eviction be carried out?
Are there ways the eviction can be stopped if you pay the landlord (or the court) the rent that is owed?
There are experts who can help.
Talk to a local expert. Housing counselors can help you make a plan based on your situation and needs. You may qualify for free help. Find a housing counselor.
Find a lawyer. You may qualify for free legal help . If you’re a servicemember, talk with your local Legal Assistance Office .
The eviction situation for renters and landlords is complicated and can change rapidly. Eviction protections are generally state specific, so you may have additional protections if your state or locality still has its own eviction moratorium or other protections . Make sure you are informed about your rights as well as where you are in the eviction process.
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