What is the rental moratorium?
The rental moratorium is a temporary halt on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic to help struggling renters and homeowners stay in their homes. This measure was put in place to prevent a wave of homelessness and provide relief to individuals facing financial hardship due to the economic impact of the pandemic.
What are some FAQs about the rental moratorium?
1. How does the rental moratorium work?
The rental moratorium prohibits landlords from evicting tenants who are unable to pay rent due to financial hardship caused by the pandemic. It also stops lenders from foreclosing on properties for the same reason.
2. When was the rental moratorium implemented?
The rental moratorium was put in place in March 2020 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in response to the pandemic.
3. Who is eligible for protection under the rental moratorium?
Tenants who meet certain criteria, such as experiencing a substantial loss of income, inability to pay rent due to medical expenses, or facing homelessness if evicted, are eligible for protection under the rental moratorium.
4. How long does the rental moratorium last?
The rental moratorium has been extended several times since its initial implementation and is currently set to expire on July 31, 2021.
5. Can landlords still file for evictions during the rental moratorium?
Landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent covered by the moratorium, but they can still file for evictions for other reasons, such as lease violations.
6. Are tenants still required to pay rent during the rental moratorium?
Tenants are still required to pay rent to the best of their ability, but they cannot be evicted solely for nonpayment of rent during the moratorium.
7. What happens to unpaid rent during the rental moratorium?
Unpaid rent is not forgiven under the rental moratorium, and tenants are still responsible for paying any missed payments once the moratorium expires.
8. Can landlords raise rent during the rental moratorium?
Landlords can still raise rent during the moratorium, but tenants facing financial hardship may have difficulty affording the increased rent.
9. Can tenants be evicted after the rental moratorium expires?
Once the rental moratorium expires, tenants who have not paid rent may be subject to eviction proceedings unless they reach a payment agreement with their landlord.
10. How has the rental moratorium impacted landlords?
The rental moratorium has put financial strain on many landlords who rely on rental income to cover mortgage payments and property expenses.
11. Are there any resources available to help tenants and landlords affected by the rental moratorium?
There are financial assistance programs available to help tenants and landlords who have been impacted by the rental moratorium, such as rental assistance funds and mortgage relief programs.
12. What are the consequences of violating the rental moratorium?
Landlords who violate the rental moratorium by evicting tenants covered under the protection face fines and penalties for violating federal law.