Two-Page Explanation of CARES Act Eviction Moratorium Posted by HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing

HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing Programs (Multifamily) posted a two-page explanation of the CARES Act eviction moratorium. It is designed for residents who have HUD-funded rental assistance and/or live in an FHA-insured property. “Addressing Tenant Concerns During the COVID-19 National Emergency” reminds residents who have rental assistance that they should continue paying rent if they can, but if their income has decreased they should contact property management right away and request an income recertification. If a resident does not have rental assistance but lives in an FHA-insured property, the resident is urged to contact their landlord right away and discuss a potential payment plan.

The paper explains that evictions for nonpayment of rent are suspended until July 25, and even after that an owner can only file for eviction if the owner provides the household a notice of intent to file for eviction. However, that notice cannot be given until after the moratorium ends.

If a resident is concerned about the condition of their home, they should contact their Project-Based Contract Administrator (PBCA) or Regional HUD Office. Attached to the two-page resource is a list of PBCAs and their phone numbers in each state.

The CARES Act protects tenants from eviction for not paying rent (or other fees or charges) for 120 days (between March 27 and July 25) if they live in certain properties, including Section 8 project-based housing, Section 202 Housing for the Elderly, Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities, Section 236 multifamily rental housing, Section 221(d)(3) Below Market Interest Rate (BMIR) housing, and properties with an FHA-insured mortgage (see Memo, 4/13).

“Addressing Tenant Concerns During the COVID-19 National Emergency” is at: https://bit.ly/3bz3nHW

More Information about the Section 8 project-based housing program is on page 4-61 of NLIHC’s 2020 Advocates’ Guide.

More Information about Section 202 Housing for the Elderly is on page 4-67 of NLIHC’s 2020 Advocates’ Guide.

More Information about Section 811 Housing for Persons with Disability is on page 4-71 of NLIHC’s 2020 Advocates’ Guide.