CDC Extends Eviction Moratorium Protecting Millions of Americans

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, had previously issued a moratorium on all evictions and foreclosure in an attempt to control the spread of Covoronavirus. That previous ban, which was put in place in September 2020, had expired on July 31, 2021.

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All signs coming from the Biden Administration were suggesting that the ban would not be extended, however, in a surprising move, the CDC announced on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, that the eviction ban would be extended for at least another 60 days, until October 3, 2021.

Before the eviction ban was extended, millions of Americans were in danger of becoming homeless from being behind on their rent due to the extended negative financial impact of COVID-19. This extension brings additional relief for those residents and gives them additional time to get caught up on their rent.

However, the CDC moratorium isn't a blanket ban for the entire United States of America. The moratorium only covers areas that are experiencing high levels of Coronavirus infection.

The emergence of the delta variant has led to a rapid acceleration of community transmission in the United States, putting more Americans at increased risk, especially if they are unvaccinated. This moratorium is the right thing to do to keep people in their homes and out of congregate settings where COVID-19 spreads. It is imperative that public health authorities act quickly to mitigate such an increase of evictions, which could increase the likelihood of new spikes in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Such mass evictions and the attendant public health consequences would be very difficult to reverse.
-Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

While this is welcome news for many renters across the country, many landlords feel this is a bad decision and is furthering an already extreme level of debt. In Erie County alone, it's estimated that more than 21,000 renters are behind on their rent, according to an article from Patch.

Billions in Rental Assistance is Still Available

The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program is available and able to help New Yorkers get caught up on their past-due rental payments. If you, or someone you know, think you may be eligible, you can find all the information you need to know to apply right here.