Demonstrators Call For Eviction Moratorium To Be Extended

With a looming eviction crisis in Bucks County and across the country amid the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, a group of about a dozen people protested in Falls Township with calls for more to be done to help those on the brink of losing their shelter.

Outside District Judge Jan Vislosky’s district courthouse on New Falls Road on Monday afternoon, the group organized by activists from Lower Bucks for Change held signs that read “housing is a human right,” “eviction is murder,” “support renters rights,” and “rent relief now!”

Inside the courthouse, there were about 30 hearings schedule where landlords were bringing complaints against their tenants, but no evictions were ordered by the district judge.

There is currently a federal eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a way to curb homelessness and the spread of COVID-19. Advocates for housing and lawyers have raised the alarm that the moratorium isn’t always being followed and has been applied inconsistently nationwide. The CDC moratorium only protects renters that aren’t able to pay rent, but it does not prevent evictions for other contract violations, like safety problems and noise.

The current federal moratorium expires at the end of December and a state moratorium ended months ago. A state program to help renters and landlords largely failed.

Experts have warned that the moratorium won’t last forever and a lack of cohesive plan or aid will lead to a rash of evictions. The state and federal moratoriums don’t wipe away the owed rents but only hold the payments off.

Lower Bucks for Change called for people to call lawmakers to lobby for an extended eviction moratorium and changes to the system.

Much of the calls by the demonstrators were against larger corporate landlords who are less flexible with tenants.

Brit Montoro led much of the demonstration and called for a new eviction moratorium, more affordable housing, and respect for renters from “greedy landlords.”

“Evictions have to stop. It’s shameful,” Montoro said.

Vincent Montoya said that 2020 has been the a turbulent year and renters need all the support they can get.

“The eviction process isn’t fair,” Montoya said.

Ian Highcock said that landlords should be held to the same standards as they hold tenants.

“It’s absurd,” he said.

The group helped renters heading into court Monday by handing them forms with information on how to get assistance.

Bucks County Housing Link can be reached toll free at 1-800-810-4434. Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, which can represent tenants who are going through the courts, can be reached at 215-781-1111 ext. 210.

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