Eviction Moratoriums During COVID-19

Many Americans face eviction due to COVID-19’s economic impact. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paused evictions until October 3, 2021. This “moratorium” applies in areas with high COVID-19 spread. The order helps to limit COVID-19’s spread since people can stay in their homes. It also prevents living in group settings such as shelters.

A person facing eviction for not paying rent could be protected by the CDC order. They must show that they tried to get rental assistance. Also, they must not have earned more than $99,000 or $198,000 if filing jointly in Calendar Year 2020 or 2021.

Ohio gave rental assistance money to all 88 counties to help tenants. The U.S. Department of Justice encouraged state courts to give landlords and tenants more time to seek rental assistance. The DOJ recommended that courts require landlords to apply for rental assistance before filing an eviction. In Cuyahoga County, see www.FreeEvictionHelp.org. In other counties, apply to Legal Aid online at www.lasclev.org or by calling 1.888.817.3777.

Written by Nasir Martin

This article was published in Legal Aid's newsletter, "The Alert" Volume 37, Issue 1, in Fall 2021. See full issue at this link: “The Alert” – Volume 37, Issue 1 – Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (lasclev.org).