Information for renters on eviction moratorium

Renters can only take advantage of the moratorium if they can prove they are unable to pay rent because of the pandemic, either because they lost their jobs or have extraordinary

out-of-pocket medical expenses. They may also take advantage of the moratorium if they felt that losing their home will result in homelessness or placement in a homeless shelter. In

addition, the eviction moratorium covers only those who expect to earn no more than $99,000 in 2021 (or $198,000 if married and filing jointly). The moratorium does not keep rent from

accruing, nor does it prevent landlords from evicting tenants for other reasons, such as damaging property or fighting with neighbors. Those who take advantage of the order must prove that

they are making their best efforts to make timely partial payments. (Homeowners also have extended relief available from lenders and loan servicers.)  WHAT RELIEF IS AVAILABLE? Some states

and cities have extended the eviction moratorium. Maryland and the District of Columbia base their extension through the end of the national emergency period, and New Jersey's lasts for

two months after the end of the emergency period. Several federal agencies announced extensions through September 30th, 2021 of eviction and foreclosure moratoriums for residents of

properties financed or guaranteed by the U.S. government, including publicly-funded housing units, and those financed by Federal Housing Authority and Veterans Affairs loans or loans

securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The largest chunk of aid comes from the federal government, which approved $25 billion in emergency rental assistance (ERA) through the Consolidated

Appropriations Act of 2021, enacted in December. Another $21.55 billion came from the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March 2021, which also allowed funds to be used for moving and

other expenses. The money is disbursed according to a state's share of the national population. The assistance can last 12 months, with the possibility of one three-month extension.

State and local agencies are distributing the money, and many of these agencies, the Treasury Department says, are just getting up and running. Less than 10 percent of the money approved by

Congress has been paid out, according to _The Wall Street Journal._ “While some state and local programs are increasingly reaching households in need, others lag far behind, and many

programs have just launched in recent weeks,” Treasury said in a July 2 statement.  HOW TO GET AID The first step is finding a state or local agency that can help you. One of the most

comprehensive directories is maintained by NLIHC, which promises users are just two or three clicks away from an application. Alabama, for example, has eight agencies distributing rental

assistance, which includes a statewide agency, several county agencies and one for the Choctaw tribe.