As August 1st passed, many Americans simply saw it as another summer milestone, inching closer to the back-to-school season. However, for millions, this date marked a grim reality: rent was due, and countless individuals were unprepared to make their payments. This situation has escalated as the eviction moratorium, which had shielded many from being evicted due to unpaid rent, was lifted without plans for renewal.
The Road to This Situation
The moratorium on evictions was first established by the CDC in September due to the widespread job losses caused by the pandemic. Initially extended several times, the Biden administration had managed to prolong it for an additional month. However, the Supreme Court ruled against further extensions after July, with Justice Brian McAllister stating that “clear and specific congressional authorization would be necessary for the CDC to extend the moratorium.”
Attempts by the Biden administration to persuade Congress for new legislation to extend these protections fell short as lawmakers were about to break for their August recess. Some representatives, like Congresswoman Sarah Lee, who has personal experience with homelessness, advocated for action, even staging a protest outside the Capitol. Ultimately, Congress did not take action, and the moratorium ended at midnight on Saturday.
Impact of the Moratorium’s Expiration
While precise numbers are uncertain, estimates suggest that millions will be affected by the end of the eviction moratorium. According to the Household Pulse survey from the Census Bureau, around 3.6 million people anticipated facing eviction in the coming months. Shelters across the nation are bracing for an influx of families seeking refuge.
Beyond the threat of homelessness, renters now face the reality of owing back rent. The eviction moratorium prevented landlords from evicting tenants but did not erase the obligation to pay rent. While federal assistance programs were designed to help renters manage these payments, many faced bureaucratic hurdles that prevented timely access to funds. Landlords, too, struggled to secure aid.
Communities of color are disproportionately affected by this crisis, as they have experienced some of the most severe financial ramifications of the pandemic. Research indicates that people of color are more likely to be renters and at a heightened risk of eviction.
Resources for Assistance
Certain states have opted to extend their eviction moratoriums, including California, New York, and Maryland. For those in states without protections, eviction is a looming threat for renters unable to pay. However, rental assistance is still available through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, a federal initiative managed by the Department of Treasury.
Many local and state programs also offer rental assistance. For guidance on finding support, check out the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website. Numerous non-profits, community centers, and resources like the United Way and The National Low Income Housing Coalition are also available to assist. Community Facebook groups can provide additional local resources, including help for food or utility expenses.
The ongoing struggle with the eviction moratorium is distressing, especially as the pandemic continues to evolve. If you’re facing difficulties, remember that you are not alone. We hope that policymakers will find ways to support struggling families during this challenging time. In the interim, seek out the assistance that is available to you.
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- How to avoid eviction during the pandemic
- Rental assistance programs for struggling families
- Impact of eviction moratorium ending on renters
- Resources for homeless families
- Legal rights for tenants facing eviction
Summary
The lifting of the eviction moratorium has left millions of renters vulnerable to eviction and financial distress. As assistance programs still exist, it’s imperative for affected individuals to seek help. Communities of color are particularly hard-hit, reflecting the broader inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic.
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