Eviction ban to be extended through June 30 by U.S CDC

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended a nationwide order to prevent millions of U.S. renters from being expelled amid the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic through June 30 on Monday.

The CDC’s moratorium on most residential evictions was set to expire on Wednesday. 

In a statement, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said that preventing evictions and keeping people in their homes and out of crowded or congregate settings – like homeless shelters – is a key step in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Initially, it was during former President Donald Trump’s administration that the Atlanta-based agency issued the order in September. Later, it was extended till Jan. 29 through March end after President Joe Biden took office.

One in five U.S. renters was behind on rent as of January, the White House noted. The U.S. Census Bureau survey done in March found that more than 4 million adults who are behind on rent fear the imminent risk of eviction, the CDC said.

Another $21.5 billion in emergency rental assistance was approved by the U.S. Congress this month on top of $25 billion approved in December.

Two federal judges have ruled against the moratorium and have been challenged in court. U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese in Akron, Ohio, ruled on March 11 that the moratorium exceeded the authority given to the CDC by Congress, but stopped short of issuing an injunction blocking it.

The order pertains to individual renters who do not foresee earning more than $99,000 this year or $198,000 for joint filers. It also includes renters who did not report income in 2020 or received a stimulus check.

Sworn declarations must be filed by renters saying removal would make them homeless or force them into a “shared living setting” and attest they have done all they can to get government assistance for rent or housing.