CDC issues new eviction moratorium, advocates warn renters could still be at risk

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – The CDC is issuing a new temporary eviction moratorium, as the previous one expired. The new moratorium applies to parts of the country with the highest transmission of COVID-19. It is set to last until October 3rd, 2021.

Even with the new moratorium in place, local advocates say many could still be at risk of losing housing because of COVID-19. “If they’re still behind, or they were at home doing virtual school with their kids, then you were obviously affected by COVID and you lost work hours. So, they should be applying for rental and utility assistance if they’re behind,” said Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County Molly Hilligoss.

Hilligoss says there are a couple of different ways Wicomico County renters can protect themselves. They can ask for help from Habitat for Humanity, or other community organizations like Shore Up! and Salisbury Neighborhood Housing. “If the renter has received assistance in the past from either Shore Up or Salisbury Neighborhood Housing, go back to them because they already have a lot of your information, and it’ll make the process a lot faster,” said Hilligoss. “We have a backlog of about 300 cases. So, if you run in here and you’re days before eviction, that doesn’t give us time to process your case and get it to the next level of approval.”

If you receive an eviction or failure to pay rent court notice, you need to show up to court and explain how you’ve been affected by COVID-19, according to Hilligoss. “Even if the landlord tells you that you don’t have to go, you need to go. The landlord has just lied to you. You need to go and ask for more time, and ask for the case to be dismissed. You have options,” said Hilligoss. “These judges have a heart, and they’re there to help you. Unfortunately, in these civil matters, when you have a case against you that never goes away. It can’t be expunged.”

Hilligoss also recommends that renters should try for a one year lease, as opposed to month to month renting. She says that one year leases typically provide more protections for renters.