Pressed for Time? Here’s a summary. 

The CDC has evoked a limited moratorium for renters set to expire in 2 months. This appended moratorium prevents evictions for all renters living in communities experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases until October 3, 2021. 

Despite this, many renters in states or communities not covered by this moratorium are at risk of eviction. This article discusses resources property owners and managers can provide to renters in need of support now and after the expiration of this moratorium.

 

Actions to date by the CDC

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world saw a spike in unemployment, a rise in evictions, an increase in healthcare costs, and a decline in financial stability for millions. In August 2020, the CDC’s eviction moratorium was evoked to curb evictions and combat homelessness for the nearly 40 million Americans behind on rent payments. The eviction moratorium prevented landlords from evicting tenants regardless of whether they could pay their monthly rent in full or at all. 

As of August 3rd, the CDC has appended its eviction moratorium with coverage now applicable only for renters living in communities experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases until October 3. This appended moratorium comes at an unprecedented time, with over $27 billion in back rent due and 7 million renters are at risk of eviction. 

Implications for the appended moratorium  

This appended moratorium prevents evictions for all renters living in communities experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases. This extension protects an estimated 90% of all renters and protects renters for up to two months, through October 3.

Many renters in states or communities not experiencing a rise in Covid cases are at risk of eviction. These renters are required to pay rent and any missed rent payments. Additionally, this limited moratorium is set to expire within 2 months with no clear path forward for renters with back rent due. 

Resources for renters facing eviction

The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and other governing bodies have identified several actions property managers, owners, and operators can take to help renters in need while keeping their businesses afloat:

• Encourage residents to seek rental assistance. As of August 2021, the U.S government issued $45B in relief packages designed to help renters avoid eviction. With $42 Billion in relief still outstanding, renters have the opportunity to access many of these funds. For a list of local and federal programs, visit the rental assistance database provided by the White House and CFPB, the National Low housing coalitions list of state and local rental assistance programs, and lastly the Findhelp.com for new programs designed to support individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Encourage renters to call 2-1-1 or visit www.211.org. 2-1-1 will connect renters and managers with a local call center that can share information about local programs capable of helping.
• Offer solutions to help residents avoid eviction, including payment plans, deferments, and extended or flexible lease periods for residents who fell behind in rent payments due to the pandemic. This option can help renters with a path forward while establishing trust between renters and management.
• Communicate with residents as much as possible regarding their situations. Opening a line of communication will foster the trust necessary to provide resources where applicable effectively.  

Rent Relief Funds for renters

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Esusu introduced zero-interest relief funds to help renters avoid eviction and, ultimately, homelessness. 

This new offering provides relief funds for renters to cover 1-3 months of past-due rent. Eligible residents can visit our Rent Relief page and fill out a 2-minute application for immediate rental assistance. 

Approved residents can receive funds as soon as 72 hours post-approval, alongside generous repayment plans. For questions about the Rent Relief program, visit our FAQ page and/or email us at support@esusu.org.

Final thoughts

Esusu was built on the premise that no matter where you come from, the color of your skin, or your financial identity, it shouldn’t determine where you end up in life. As the housing industry grapples with how to best support renters and property managers alike, we stand firm in our mission to dismantle barriers to housing for working families.

In these unprecedented times, providing renters and landlords with the resources to build stronger and safer communities will require a collective effort from government agencies and public and private sectors. Collectively we need pragmatic and systemic solutions to support renters while also ensuring property owners can keep their businesses thriving.