Read on Twitter
Here it is: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/eviction-moratoria-order-faqs.pdf The guidance creates new burdens for renters (allows landlords to challenge tenant declarations) and new holes in the protections (allows landlords to initiate eviction proceedings at any time). 1/ https://twitter.com/dianeyentel/status/1314731833108684800
The CDC moratorium still prevents eviction for nonpayment of rent (for eligible renters) during the moratorium. The FAQ doesn’t change that.
So why does it matter that the guidance allows for eviction proceedings to begin, even under the moratorium? 2/
So why does it matter that the guidance allows for eviction proceedings to begin, even under the moratorium? 2/
To understand, ask yourself this question:
why would a landlord want to start eviction proceedings in October for an eviction that can’t happen until January?
Answer: to pressure/scare/intimidate renters into leaving sooner. 3/
why would a landlord want to start eviction proceedings in October for an eviction that can’t happen until January?
Answer: to pressure/scare/intimidate renters into leaving sooner. 3/
Evictions - even just a single eviction filing - create a long-term mark on a renter’s record that can make it much harder for them to rent in the future. Some renters avoid that mark by leaving before the formal eviction proceedings happen.
Other renters, especially the most marginalized and the most vulnerable people - immigrants, seniors, people w/disabilities - fear the process and/or can’t participate in court proceedings due to accessibility issues.
This is especially true now, with some courts holding virtual eviction proceedings. Many low-income renters don’t have access to needed technology to show up to court via Zoom, especially with libraries, schools and rec centers closed due to Covid-19.
The FAQ allows landlords to challenge renters’ declarative statements, creating new opportunities for landlord intimidation & shifting burden to struggling renters who must gather paperwork to prove they need assistance to stay housed during pandemic.
As the CDC made clear in its original order, evictions pose a direct threat to individual & public health. As low-income people face evictions & lose their homes, they have few options left: double/triple up with other families or seek congregate shelter.
In either case it’s very difficult to socially distance or isolate. These changes to the CDC order will result in harm to individuals and their communities as well as our broader public health, and will undermine the country’s effort to contain COVID-19.
The CDC should stand by and defend its original order. And the WH and admin should stop playing games w/people’s homes & lives and work with Congress to pass the eviction moratorium & other essential housing/homelessness protections from the HEROES Act NOW!