- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a new eviction ban Tuesday to replace the one that ended Saturday, July 31
- $46 billion in new rental assistance is available, but you’ll have to apply for it through a local program
- A small number of state and local eviction protections are still in effect. Check with local government housing departments or local nonprofit housing organizations to see if you’re covered
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a new eviction moratorium Tuesday to replace one that expired Saturday, July 31.
The new ban, extended through Oct. 3, 2021, calls for an end to evictions in counties with reports of heightened levels of COVID-19 transmission in relation to the resurgent Delta variant. The more focused order aims to address specific areas of the country with rising case counts that would be exacerbated by a new wave of evictions, the CDC said.
While the previous ban protected millions of households from eviction for nonpayment of rent, the new — and incomplete — could raise new questions for renters and landlords. President Joe Biden acknowledged Tuesday the new ban might be vulnerable if challenged in court, but at least would buy some time and slow down new evictions following the expiration of the previous ban.
The government has set aside $46 billion for rental assistance to combat this, and it’s being distributed through a network of local programs. Some states and municipalities have eviction bans in place that extend beyond the end of the CDC’s moratorium, giving these tenants more time to apply for rental assistance.
How to Access Rental Assistance Programs Still Available
Neither the expired nor the new eviction ban addresses how tenants were to pay back missed or partial rent payments — a significant challenge for many who owe and are still recovering from economic hardship brought on by the pandemic.
To address this shortcoming, over $46 billion has been allocated for rental assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. These funds are intended to be used for housing expenses such as rent, back rent, and utilities. However, there isn’t a central program to apply for access to the funds. Instead, the money is being distributed through a web of local and state programs.
To find programs in your area, search these databases:
- National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) database
- U.S. Department of Treasury database
- Consumer Finance Protection Bureau database
If you haven’t already discussed your situation with your landlord, you should reach out to see if you can work out a repayment plan as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing a delay in receiving rental assistance, your landlord may be able to work with you as you navigate the ERA programs.
Other Eviction Resources
If you’re in the middle of an eviction proceeding, you’ll want to know your rights, and expert legal advice can be invaluable. There are a number of organizations that provide free legal aid for qualified households. Search these directories to see what legal help is available in your area:
- The Legal Services Corporation (LSC)
- Lawhelp.org
- The American Bar Association (pro bono resource directory)
- If you are having trouble finding assistance from anything from housing to healthcare, you can also call 2-1-1. This 24/7 hotline can direct you to local organizations that can help meet your needs.
State or Local Eviction Moratoria Still In Effect
In addition to the CDC eviction orders, several state or local eviction moratoria are still in effect. For example, California has an eviction ban in place through Sept. 30, 2021, and Washington D.C. residents are covered by a blanket eviction ban for 60 days after the public health emergency ended on July 31. Check with your state or local housing agency — and local housing advocacy groups — to see if there are protections in place for you.
