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What:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the issuance of an Order under Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act to temporarily halt residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

When:

September 4, 2020 through July 31, 2021.

Who is covered:

All properties, except vacant and abandoned. Any resident who certifies they meet the below criteria may not be evicted for failure to pay. The CDC’s order requires residents to declare (under penalty of perjury) that they:

  • Have used best efforts to obtain all available government assistance for rent or housing;
  • Earned no more than $99k (individual) or $198k (joint) in 2020, or expects to earn no more than those amounts in 2021; OR was not required to report income in 2020; OR received an Economic Impact Payment from the CARES Act;
  • Are unable to pay the full rent or housing payment due to substantial loss of household income, loss of hours, lay-off, or extraordinary medical expenses;
  • Are using best efforts to make timely partial payments;
  • Eviction would likely render them homeless or force to move into close quarters in congregate or shared living settings due to no other housing options.
  • Has, was exposed to, or might have been exposed to COVID-19 and is taking reasonable precautions no to spread the disease.

What eviction is allowed?

Landlords may still evict tenants due to criminal activity, threatening health/safety, damaging property, violating codes/ordinances, or other contractual obligations.

Is the rent still due?

Yes, rental payments are still due. This order does not relieve anyone of the obligation to pay rent or make a housing payment and follow other terms of the lease. In addition, landlords may charge late fees, penalties and interest for any missed payments. However, they cannot evict any tenants until after the expiration of the notice (June 30, 2021).

How is this enforced?

  • This is to be enforced jointly by Federal authorities and cooperating State and local authorities. The Department of Justice may also take independent action.
  • The order is enforceable through criminal penalties to individuals of up to $100,000 - $500,000 per event and one year in jail. and
  • Organizations of no more than $200,000 per event if the violation does not result in a death or $500,000 per event if the violation results in the death of an evicted person from COVID-19.

What else?

  • Allows more restrictive state and local protections, but overrides anything less restrictive.
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