Mammoth AwardsAre you concerned about losing housing stability due to the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, you’re certainly not alone, as many have had trouble paying their landlords due to job and income loss.
While not being able to pay your rent right now is bad news, here’s a bit of good news: You may be protected against eviction, at least into the near future, thanks to the CDC Eviction Moratorium.
Eviction Protection From the CDC
Even though it’s been a year since the coronavirus appeared, the risk remains. You can still spread the virus by being in close quarters with others, which is why the CDC Eviction Moratorium.
The science behind the moratorium is simple: By preventing evictions, the risk of spreading the coronavirus is reduced. Why? Because families won’t be forced to live in homeless shelters or crowded housing with friends and family. Instead, they can stay where they are, remain safe, and maintain housing stability as a bonus.
Under the CDC Eviction Moratorium, those who qualify cannot be evicted for not paying the rent. This does not mean that rent payments are waived, though. Once the moratorium expires, any back rent will be due, as well as fees and interest. In short, qualifying for eviction protection from the CDC does not equal free rent. And beyond that, you can still be evicted if you do not abide by other terms listed in your lease.
How to Qualify For the CDC Eviction Moratorium
Anyone interested in COVID-19 eviction protection must apply using this form. Once complete, the form must be submitted to the person who has the power to evict you.
You will first have to qualify based on your income level. Then you will have to declare that you’ve tried to pay the rent and will pay what’s due once the moratorium is over.
To see if you qualify based on income, ask yourself these questions:
Set 1:
1. Were you exempt from reporting income to the IRS last year?
2. Do you receive government assistance, such as SSI, SSDI, TANF, or SNAP?
3. Was your individual income below $99,000 in 2020/2021? Was your joint income below $198,000?
4. Did you receive a stimulus check?
Set 2:
These questions pertain to why you cannot pay the rent right now.
1. Did your income decrease?
2. Did your hours or wages decrease?
3. Did you lose your job?
4. Do you have a large number of medical expenses that you’re paying out of pocket?
To qualify, you need to answer yes to at least one question from each set. A side note worth mentioning is that all buildings are covered by the CDC Eviction Moratorium, such as:
- Apartments
- Single-family homes
- Mobile homes
- Land leased for residential purposes
However, if you’re staying in a hotel, motel, or guest house, such temporary residences are not covered.
