Eviction Moratoriums and Their Impact

An eviction moratorium is a temporary ban on evicting tenants for non-payment of rent. During COVID-19, eviction moratoriums kept people housed during the public health emergency. Other types of eviction moratoriums can help families stay in their homes during economic and natural disasters.

Eviction moratoriums can vary based on where you live. For more information on local eviction moratorium laws, talk to an eviction attorney.

What Is an Eviction Moratorium?

An eviction moratorium is a temporary ban on eviction actions for renters. When you’re behind on rent payments, landlords can begin the eviction process. Eviction is the legal process of removing a tenant from a property for non-payment of rent.

There are many reasons for an eviction moratorium. An eviction moratorium can keep people housed during national or regional emergencies. Without an eviction moratorium during national emergencies, millions of families could be homeless. Keeping people from having to move can also reduce disease transmission during a public health emergency.

Eviction moratoriums are generally limited to emergencies. After the emergency is over, states and local governments begin to lift the moratoriums.

Landlords and business interests challenge eviction moratoriums because it impacts their rental income. However, governments may initiate moratoriums to address public health and housing concerns.

Is the COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium Still in Effect?

The most extensive eviction moratorium in American history happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The economic stimulus bill included an eviction moratorium to temporarily halt eviction actions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the national moratorium until the end of 2020. The CDC’s eviction moratorium attempted to slow the spread of COVID-19. After extensions, the federal eviction moratorium ended in August 2021.

Most states also implemented their own state eviction moratoriums. Many of these state-level eviction moratoriums ended in 2020. A few remaining states and cities continued limited tenant protections. As of July 2024, there are no remaining COVID-19-related eviction moratoriums.

What Was the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Eviction Moratorium?

There were concerns that there would be a wave of evictions after the eviction protections were lifted. However, in the months following the end of the moratorium, there was only a moderate increase in the number of evictions. However, evictions continue to rise as renters struggle to find affordable housing.

Someone dealing with a prior eviction can experience long-term impacts. They may find it harder to find a new place to live with an eviction on their record. Some landlords won’t consider tenants with a previous eviction. Even if a tenant wins their eviction case, the eviction filing can still appear in their court records.

What Are Different Types of Eviction Moratoriums?

The COVID-19 pandemic eviction moratorium is the most widely known example in the United States. But there can be eviction moratoriums for other economic and national disasters, including:

• Pandemic-related or public health moratoriums like the COVID-19 eviction moratorium
• Natural disaster eviction moratoriums, such as after hurricanes, flooding, wildfire, or earthquakes
• Economic disaster eviction moratoriums
• Housing crisis eviction moratoriums

Some housing policy changes don’t rise to the level of a moratorium. For example, many renters were evicted with little notice during the Great Recession of 2008. Congress passed the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act in 2009. This required new owners to provide a minimum 90-day notice to vacate for tenants.

What Are Alternatives to Eviction Moratoriums?

Cities and states help renters find housing that doesn’t involve eviction moratoria in many ways. These housing protections have been around long before the coronavirus pandemic. However, there has been increased protection for people in rental housing since the pandemic.

Housing protections for renters and low-income families include:

• Emergency rental assistance programs
• Affordable housing and subsidized housing
• Utility bill assistance
• Housing choice vouchers (Section 8)

If you have trouble keeping up with your rent payments, get help from state and local housing organizations. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers housing resources. Call 2-1-1 to connect with local programs that can help with housing stability.

Can a Lawyer Help With Your Eviction Case?

Facing an eviction is a frightening experience. An eviction moratorium can give you and your family temporary relief. However, moratoriums are only temporary. If you need help paying your rent, contact your local rental assistance agency. If you’re having trouble finding a place to live after a prior eviction, talk to a lawyer. An eviction lawyer can review your tenant history and help you clear an eviction from your record. Contact a local eviction lawyer to find out about your legal options after an eviction.