Some welcome news came to renters facing eviction due to the economic effects of COVID-19: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended a moratorium on evictions as a protective public health measure.

“Despite extensive mitigation efforts, COVID-19 continues to spread in America at a concerning pace,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH. “We must act to get cases down and keep people in their homes and out of congregate settings—like shelters—where COVID-19 can take an even stronger foothold.”

The moratorium expires on March 31. If you’re a renter who needed that moratorium to stay in housing, there’s one thing you need to do immediately: You must give your landlord a signed declaration form that states:
• You can’t pay full rent or housing payments due to loss of household income, loss of hours or wages, layoff or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical costs;
• You’re making your best effort to make timely partial payments;
• You’re likely to become homeless or live in a shelter if evicted;
• You expect to earn no more than $99,000 annually in 2020-2021 ($198,000 jointly), or weren’t required to report income in 2019 to the IRS, or received an Economic Impact Payment;
• You understand you’ll need to pay rent at the end of the moratorium;
• You understand any false or misleading statements may result in criminal or civil actions.

The order applies to all standard rental housing, including mobile homes or land in a mobile home park. However, it does not cover individuals renting hotels, motels, or other guest homes rented temporarily.

Remember, a moratorium only delays an eviction. It doesn’t stop it. You’ll owe back rent when the moratorium expires. And some evictions are still allowed, such as for criminal activity, violating ordinances and other issues.

If you’re not sure you’ll be able to catch up on rent by the end of the moratorium, you should begin exploring your options now. Call 2-1-1 to get started. In Calhoun County, you can call Summit Pointe, Housing, (269) 966-1538. United Way BCKR partner agencies that offer eviction diversion resources include Housing Resources Inc. and Legal Aid of West Michigan (Kalamazoo County); and Legal Services of South Central Michigan (Battle Creek/Calhoun County).

Click here for a copy of the CDC Declaration Form. The National Housing Law Project as a Q&A on the moratorium at this website.