Do You Qualify For Eviction Protection From The CDC?

Have you lost your job or seen a decrease in income since the coronavirus pandemic began? If so, you’re probably having trouble keeping up with your rent, which could trigger anxiety about your housing situation.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it may have been simple for your landlord to evict you for nonpayment of rent. Now, however, it’s a lot more complicated, which is excellent news for you.

CDC Eviction Moratorium

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced an eviction moratorium to prevent landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent. This moratorium was recently extended to June 30, 2021, meaning you have some time to get your finances in order while remaining in your current home.

To gain such protection, you need to see if you’re eligible, as it’s not available to everyone. While all buildings fall under the moratorium, including single-family homes, apartments, mobile homes, and land being leased for residential purposes, tenants must apply for protection. Here is what’s needed to qualify.

Eligibility for the CDC Eviction Moratorium

To see if you’re eligible for eviction protection until the end of June, you will need to fill out this form and submit it to your landlord, property manager, etc. Even if you are eligible, note that you will have to pay back rent plus fees once the moratorium is over. You will also need to create a payment plan and share it with your landlord, so they can see how you aim to pay them back.

Qualifying for eviction protection from the CDC is quite simple. First, ask yourself if any of the following apply to your situation:

• You did not have to report income to the IRS in 2020.
• You received a coronavirus stimulus check.
• You earned less than $99,000 as a single filer or $198,000 as a joint filer in 2020 or 2021.
• You receive government assistance via SNAP, TANF, SSI, or SSDI.

Second, ask yourself if any of the following apply to your situation:

You cannot pay rent because:

• You lost your job.
• Your hours at work were reduced.
• You saw a decrease in income.
• You have a lot of out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Your household income has decreased.

As long as one item out of each list applies, you qualify for eviction protection based on your income level.

Once you determine your eligibility, you will need to declare that you told the truth regarding your income. You will also need to declare that you’ve done everything possible to pay your landlord despite your financial troubles, and if you were evicted, you’d be forced to either live on the streets or in a crowded housing situation.

Lastly, you will have to confirm that you realize back rent and any fees will be due. And if you do not pay what’s owed to your landlord when the moratorium ends, they can legally evict you.