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The eviction moratorium that’s been in place since September 2020 will expire on July 31, 2021. This moratorium prevents tenants who have been unable to pay their rent from being removed from their homes. If you’re a renter, what does the expiration of the moratorium mean for you?
How it will affect you depends on your situation and how the pandemic has affected your ability to pay rent. If you are financially stable and can pay rent regularly, the eviction moratorium does not affect you.
However, if you have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and cannot pay your rent on time or at all, you need to start planning. According to the latest U.S. Census survey, more than 6 million households are currently at risk for eviction. Hopefully, you are not part of this group, but if you are, there are some things you can still do to prepare for what might happen after July 31.
First, you should be aware that there is still $46 billion in rental assistance that has not been distributed. Contact your local government to see if you are eligible for some help. The eviction moratorium doesn’t mean that past due rent is forgiven, so you will still need to pay for the rent that you owe.
Next, set a meeting with your landlord to discuss the next steps. Ideally, you have been in constant communication with them throughout the pandemic. If you have a good relationship with your landlord, you might be able to agree on a payment scheme or a new lease agreement that will allow you to continue renting from them.
One example is that your back pay is forgiven, but you agree to an increase in rent moving forward. If you foresee that your financial situation will improve soon, this might work for you. If this is not an option, you may need to negotiate further with your landlord. Some landlords offer money if you agree to move out within a specific timeframe and leave the property in good condition. This is much easier for both parties, both physically and psychologically, than through the whole eviction process. Again, this will work if you have a good relationship with your tenant.
If the relationship with your landlord is not good, and you don’t think you’ll agree on a payment scheme or what should happen next, a viable option might be for you to move out voluntarily. This depends on several factors, like family members living with you and your employment status, but this should not be off the table.
The eviction moratorium has been extended several times since September 2020 so it is unlikely that there will be another extension. If this moratorium affects you, start getting ready for possible outcomes and plan ahead. We hope can find the solution that works best for you.
Learn more about rental property management services in Oregon on Illume Property Partners.
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