According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, there are about 43 million rental households in the United States, 5.3 million of which are run by single women.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a nationwide ban on most evictions effective September 1 through December 31 stating that “evictions of tenants could be detrimental to public health control measures to slow the spread of (COVID-19).” By keeping individuals and families housed, there will be less crowding in places like homeless shelters and less opportunity for the virus to spread.
Here’s what renters in Greater Nashua need to know about the ban:
1) You are NOT automatically protected. You must submit a signed declaration to your landlord stating that, among other things:
– you earn $99,000 or LESS ($198,000 if filing jointly).
– you’ve used your “best efforts” to obtain other assistance with rent or housing.
– you are experiencing a “substantial loss of household income” or “extraordinary” medical expenses.
– you will likely become homeless or move to a shelter if evicted.
Click here to print and sign the official form from the CDC to be submitted to your landlord.
2) You are still responsible for paying all rent accrued during the ban. And, if you owed back rent prior to September 1, you will still be responsible for paying that. The ban does not prohibit late fees.
3) The order only stops evictions for not paying rent. You can still get evicted for other reasons detailed in your lease agreement.
While the ban on evictions is helpful to many people in the short term, it is a temporary fix to a much larger problem. The moratorium provides no safeguard to help renters get caught up with back rent. Many of our neighbors are still unemployed or working reduced hours because of COVID-19. Others are returning to work, but at reduced hours because they don’t have access to childcare and their children are participating in virtual learning. When the ban is lifted, it could lead to mass evictions because households will be even further behind in rent and other bills.
If you are experiencing financial hardship right now, please contact us right away.
We are able to help with most household-related costs, including back rent, mortgage payments, and utilities. Click here to learn more and apply for assistance.
Also, consider contacting your landlord right away to discuss your situation. If possible, try to work out an arrangement to pay less for a short period of time, or to spread out your payments over a longer period of time.
Remember, you are not alone!
