Everyone looked forward to 2021 for the simple fact that at least 2020 and all it held would be over. For those in the rental housing industry, the most important thing thought to end with the year’s change was the eviction moratoriums. Most set to expire sometime in early 2021, property owners, managers and landlords have been waiting with frustration to know how they can manage their portfolios in the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, 2021 looks like it will be a continuation of 2020’s problems for quite some time.
Eviction Moratorium Updates
Everyone looked forward to 2021 for the simple fact that at least 2020 and all it held would be over. For those in the rental housing industry, the most important thing thought to end with the year’s change was the eviction moratoriums. Most set to expire sometime in early 2021, property owners, managers and landlords have been waiting with frustration to know how they can manage their portfolios in the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, 2021 looks like it will be a continuation of 2020’s problems for quite some time.
Eviction Moratorium Updates
With President Biden’s executive order, evictions will be extended through March– as imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. President Biden’s proposed $1.9 trillion-with-a-T dollar stimulus plan, “The American Rescue Plan”, is designed to “ensure that families hit hard by the economic crisis won’t face eviction or foreclosure.” This includes $25 billion in rental assistance for those struggling to make rent. Until that proves true or not, many states are taking it upon themselves to change that end date, causing protections for tenants and problems for landlords.
With President Biden’s executive order, evictions will be extended through March – as imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. President Biden’s proposed $1.9 trillion-with-a-T dollar stimulus plan, “The American Rescue Plan”, is designed to “ensure that families hit hard by the economic crisis won’t face eviction or foreclosure.” This includes $25 billion in rental assistance for those struggling to make rent. Until that proves true or not, many states are taking it upon themselves to change that end date, causing protections for tenants and problems for landlords.
New York
On January 1st, 2021, New York banned evictions for an additional two months. This was done in emergency courts with the quick end in mind that evictions wouldn’t happen during the coldest months of the year and subsequently overwhelm shelters. We will have to keep an eye on New York to see what may happen in March when the quick action ends. The state also began to roll out the “COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020” in 2021. If one has proof of hardship related to the pandemic, evictions and foreclosures for renters and or owners could be stopped until May.
Illinois
According to the Illinois Rental Property Owners Association, property owners and managers need to keep their eyes and ears peeled. Illinois is working to extend the eviction moratorium not just for a handful of months, but until fall: October, 2021. That is not the only thing that the bill will accomplish. Backtracking from March, 2020 until October, 2021, all evictions that had occurred from faulty payment or criminal behavior would be sealed.
New York
On January 1st, 2021, New York banned evictions for an additional two months. This was done in emergency courts with the quick end in mind that evictions wouldn’t happen during the coldest months of the year and subsequently overwhelm shelters. We will have to keep an eye on New York to see what may happen in March when the quick action ends. The state also began to roll out the “COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020” in 2021. If one has proof of hardship related to the pandemic, evictions and foreclosures for renters and or owners could be stopped until May.
Illinois
According to the Illinois Rental Property Owners Association, property owners and managers need to keep their eyes and ears peeled. Illinois is working to extend the eviction moratorium not just for a handful of months, but until fall: October, 2021. That is not the only thing that the bill will accomplish. Backtracking from March, 2020 until October, 2021, all evictions that had occurred from faulty payment or criminal behavior would be sealed.
Oregon
On the tamer side of things, Oregon is planning to extend the mortarium but this time for another half year. Starting in January and going until July, tenants will need to fill out hardship forms that will provide the right documentation that their financial struggles are related to the pandemic. Once that is done, it is given to their property manager or landlords. These forms can be filled out before or after eviction notices, though it is recommended to do them as soon as possible. Once they have been completed, a tenant is protected until the end of June and proper eviction forms can be started in July.
Oregon
On the tamer side of things, Oregon is planning to extend the mortarium but this time for another half year. Starting in January and going until July, tenants will need to fill out hardship forms that will provide the right documentation that their financial struggles are related to the pandemic. Once that is done, it is given to their property manager or landlords. These forms can be filled out before or after eviction notices, though it is recommended to do them as soon as possible. Once they have been completed, a tenant is protected until the end of June and proper eviction forms can be started in July.
Every day it seems like more states are updating their terms and the nationwide ban will be hot on the tracks. Make sure you subscribe so we can keep you updated if any additional moratoriums move forward.
Every day it seems like more states are updating their terms and the nationwide ban will be hot on the tracks. Make sure you subscribe so we can keep you updated if any additional moratoriums move forward.
2 Replies to “New Year, New Update on the Eviction Moratoriums”
Thank you for the update. I have a tenant who is having no hardship, but thinks that he doesn’t have to pay rent because of the moratorium. I finally posted a three day notice but he still thinks he doesn’t have to pay. I explained he had to provide any evidence of hardship in which case I would honor the moratorium. Do you know how the courts in Ohio are handling evictions when there is no hardship? Thanks!
Hi Katy,
That’s a frustrating situation to be dealing with! We’re unable to provide legal advice, but I did find this website Ohio built for renter guidance during COVID-19 that should help you know your rights based on your renter’s rights: https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org/topic/covid-19-renter-protections. There is also the recent Federal extension of the moratorium through March 31 to consider above and beyond what Ohio may allow.