The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order on January 29 extending the federal moratorium on evictions for nonpayment of rent through March 31, following a directive issued by President Biden on his first day in office.
The eviction moratorium, previously slated to expire on January 31, will help keep millions of renters stably housed during the pandemic. Without this critical action by the Biden administration, tens of millions of renters would have been at immediate risk of losing their homes this winter, with negative consequences for individuals, families, communities, and our nation’s public health and economy.
While the steps taken by the CDC are critical, they are not enough to protect renters. In addition to extending the eviction moratorium, the Biden administration must strengthen and enforce the order. The existing order has significant shortcomings that undermine its public health benefits, as outlined in a letter to the president by NLIHC and 2,000 national, state, and local organizations and elected officials. NLIHC has requested a meeting with CDC Director Rochelle Walensky to discuss these and other necessary reforms.
President Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen must also rescind a recent Trump administration emergency rental assistance FAQ and reissue new guidance to ensure that $25 billion in emergency rental assistance quickly reaches those renters most at risk of eviction. The Biden administration must also continue to work with Congress to enact a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package that includes NLIHC’s top housing and homelessness priorities. The COVID-19 relief package proposed by President Biden includes much needed $30 billion in emergency rental and utility assistance and $5 billion to prevent and respond to outbreaks among homeless populations, but additional resources and provisions are needed to fully address America’s urgent health and housing needs.
Read NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel’s statement on the CDC’s action to extend the eviction moratorium here: https://bit.ly/3iY6Yng