As our world is getting ready to open back up for businesses. There is no denying that many out there are still struggling to get back on track with our finances, bill and more importantly rent. As stressful as this time has been there is some good news. Our Federal, state, and local governments are now offering to help renters that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Renters can now take steps avoid being evicted. Of course, these steps are based on certain situations. Â In this email I included different assistance programs that can help.
First and foremost, The Cares act, The Cares act which stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, provides certain protections from eviction and late fees due to nonpayment of rent for most tenants in federally subsidized or federally backed housing. This will prohibit evictions from March 27 to July 24, 2020. It only applies to the nonpayment of rent and other charges, and not for other causes for an eviction.
Renters are expected to continue paying their rent during the eviction moratorium period if they can. However, those experiencing financial hardship should reach out to their landlord to discuss their situation and potential solutions.
The CARES Act protections apply to you if:
You receive federal rental assistance from one of these voucher or grant programs:
- Rural housing voucher program
- Section 8 housing voucher program
- McKinney-Vento homeless assistance grants
- Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
- Rural Development Vouchers
You or your landlord receive assistance through any of these federally-subsidized housing programs:
- Public housing
- Section 8 project-based housing
- Section 202 housing for the elderly
- Section 811 housing for people with disabilities
- Section 236 or 538 multifamily rental housing
- Below Market Interest Rate (BMIR) housing
- Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
- Rural Development multifamily housing programs, grants, or vouchers (Section 516 Farm Labor Housing Grants, Section 542 Rural Development Vouchers, Section 521 Rural Rental Assistance, Section 533 Housing Preservation grants);
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC)
To find out what type of housing you’re in, contact HUD at (800) 955-2232, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. E.S.T., Monday through Friday.
- For support, call the Freddie Mac Helpline at 800-404-3097
Please keep in mind that these protections last until the National Coronavirus Emergency ends or December 31, 2020, whichever date comes first.
State and local eviction protections
Many state and local governments have stopped evictions because of the coronavirus pandemic. The details of how renters are protected, and for how long, depend on where you live.
Some states have:
- Prohibited any eviction notices or action
- Stopped all court eviction hearings
- Stopped enforcing eviction orders or judgments
Contact your state office for more information.
Protections from utility and phone disconnections
Utility Moratorium. Many states have suspended public utility disconnections. Check with your state utility commission to see what protections or relief may be available. Municipal utilities and Rural Electric Cooperatives (REC) may be covered by your state’s emergency proclamation. They may also have their own COVID-19 disconnection policy. Check with your municipal utility or REC for details.
Lifeline Terminations Suspended. To help keep Americans connected during the coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has temporarily waived Lifeline usage requirements and general de-enrollment procedures until May 29, 2020.
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved can discuss options with you if you’re having trouble paying your rent.
- State Attorney General. You can contact your state attorney general office for more information about state protections as well as file a complaint.
Finally, you can contact us. Here at Credit Services of America, we are here to help you with anything pertaining to your financial situation and your credit needs. We aim to educate you on what you need to do to get your life back on track!
A Goal without a Plan is just a Wish. Give us a call TODAY at 844-FIX-URCR or click on the following link creditservicesofamerica.com to schedule your FREE credit consultation!