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Facing eviction? What to do before the CDC eviction moratorium expires

Help is available for renters

The CDC moratorium ended on August 26, 2021, but help is available. Apply for money to cover rent and utilities today.

Start with a program in your area

With the CDC eviction moratorium set to expire on June 30, 2021, you may be asking yourself “I gave my landlord the CDC Eviction Protection Declaration. What do I need to do now?”

Sign the CDC Declaration and send it to your landlord

You may have the right to stay in your home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) halted most evictions until June 30th to prevent the spread of coronavirus. But, you must take action to use this right. See the steps to take and get started today.

Understand where you are in the eviction process

Have you been sued? Do you have a court date? Are you concerned that your landlord may try to physically evict you now? Do you have a lawyer?

If you did give your landlord the CDC Declaration then there are steps to take depending on your situation.

If an eviction lawsuit has NOT been filed

If you want to stay in your home, then you should:

  • Work with your landlord on getting all available rental assistance money to pay your rent
  • Make a plan to catch up on your rent including a repayment plan with your landlord
  • Make sure you understand what is going to happen once the moratorium ends. For example, is your landlord going to work with you or file an eviction lawsuit against you?

If an eviction lawsuit HAS been filed against you

You may want to contact an attorney. If you need a lawyer, there may be resources to assist you, and you may qualify for free legal services through legal aid. If you’re a servicemember, you should consult with your local Legal Assistance Office . You or your lawyer should also check with the court about your eviction case. You may also need to contact the landlord’s lawyer. Ask these questions:

  • Is there already a court date for a judge to hear the eviction lawsuit?
  • Do you need to submit anything to the court or to your landlord?
  • What deadlines or timelines apply to your case?

If you don’t have a lawyer, it is very important that you find this information out as soon as possible. Your ability to remain in the property pending a court date may depend on it.

Has a court ruled that you can be evicted?

If a court has already ruled or ordered that you can be physically evicted or removed from your home, find out the answers to these questions:

  • When will the eviction be carried out?
  • Are there ways the eviction can be stopped if you pay the landlord (or the court) the rent that is owed?
  • Has your court or state provided additional protections to tenants facing a physical eviction? Some states and local governments have protections or are considering new protections for tenants who have applied for federal Emergency Rental Assistance funds to pay rent. Your court may also offer diversion programs to help you work with your landlord to come up with a solution to avoid eviction. Check with your court and with a lawyer. Find a lawyer in your state.

Get legal assistance or other help

If you don’t already have a lawyer, contact your local legal aid office or local bar association. If you are a servicemember, contact your local Legal Assistance Office . You should also check to see if you are eligible for emergency rental assistance funds to help pay your rent, your utilities or certain other household costs. There may also be local tenant organizations or other groups that offer assistance.

Learn about the protections available in your community. You may be able to find information about your rights specific to your state from:

The eviction situation for renters and landlords is complicated and can change rapidly. Eviction protections are generally state specific, so you may have additional protections if your state or locality still has its own eviction moratorium or other protections. Your state may also be considering new protections right now. Make sure you are informed about your rights as well as where you are in the eviction process.

Stay up to date on Emergency Rental Assistance programs

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