Renters who are struggling to make payments due to COVID may qualify for rental assistance programs.
The CDC has extended it’s eviction moratorium until October 3rd, due to the spreading Delta variant. But just because someone can’t be evicted doesn’t mean they won’t be on the hook for unpaid rent, said Per Olstad, senior advisor for consumer education at the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.
“The moratorium states only that people cannot be removed from their house because of the increased public health risk of people either going out on the streets or moving to congregate care or moving in with a friend or family,” Olstad said. “But it doesn’t mean that the rent isn’t due. The rent is still due and the rent will build up.”
The money available through rental assistance programs may be used for back rent as well as covering upcoming bills. It benefits both tenants and landlords, because the money is often distributed directly to landlords, said Olstad.
These programs are being administered through states, cities, and tribes. To find their local programs, renters can visit consumerfinance.gov/renthelp.
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