The past 18 months or so have been a financial disaster for many in Roseland, making it next to impossible for some to afford life’s basic necessities including paying rent. The federal government recognized this problem and issued a moratorium on eviction proceedings allowing many renters to hold off on paying rent without fear that they will be evicted. The moratorium has been a bit of a roller coaster over the past few months and has now come to an end, leaving many renters vulnerable to eviction. Some lawmakers recognize this and have introduced legislation addressing this issue.
The history of the federal eviction moratorium
The federal eviction moratorium was enacted by the Congress early in 2020. Later that year in September, the previous administration signed an executive order giving the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the ability to issue a temporary federal eviction moratorium. The federal eviction moratorium was extended several times following its initial enactment. After the moratorium was set to end in summer 2021, the current administration extended it through October 21. However, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision stating the CDC did not have the authority to extend a federal eviction moratorium. Such measures must be enacted by Congress. Since then, landlords have been able to evict tenants once again.
New legislation introduced affecting the eviction moratorium
A new bill known as the “Keeping Renters Safe Act of 2021” was introduced in Congress in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to end the current eviction moratorium. The Act would amend the Public Health Service Act regarding communicable diseases. Under the Act, evictions would be classified as an act that spreads disease. The Act would give the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the permanent authority to issue federal eviction moratoriums when the nation is under a health emergency.
Learn more about your rights if you are facing eviction
It is important to remember that the Keeping Renters Safe Act of 2021 is currently just a bill, and current law on evictions still stands. Learning more about your rights as a landlord or a tenant may help if you one day find yourself involved in the eviction process.
