A national moratorium on evictions of tenants unable to pay their rent was extended through the end of June.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the extension earlier this week. The previous extension to the moratorium was set to expire Wednesday.
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The moratorium on evictions is for nonpayment and does not cover evictions for other problems. The moratorium was initially put in place last year.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a historic threat to the nation’s public health. Keeping people in their homes and out of crowded or congregate settings — like homeless shelters — by preventing evictions is a key step in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.
Using $37 million in federal funds, the Bucks County Emergency Rental Assistance (BERA) program was launched this month to aid tenants and landlords who are struggling.
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More information on the BERA program:
Bucks County tenants who have lost income or experienced other financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for rent/utility assistance by visiting www.buckscounty.org/renthelp.
Renters can apply for assistance in paying rental arrears as well as for upcoming rent if they are still unable to pay. Landlords are also encouraged to apply by submitting tenant information, a valid W-9, and ledgers outlining arrears owed. However, a landlord application cannot be completed without tenant’s participation in establishing tenant eligibility. Landlords will be contacted to confirm approved payment amounts prior to payment being issued.
Please note that a moratorium on evictions is in effect through March 31 for qualifying tenants who present this completed declaration form to their landlords: https://www.buckscounty.org/DeclarationCDCTempEvictionHalt.
Any changes to the moratorium date will be updated on www.buckscounty.org/renthelp.
The program’s website features multiple languages. Landlords and tenants with questions about eligibility or the application process can also call the BERA helpline between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 888-50-BUCKS.
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Approximately 2,000 eviction notices were filed in Bucks County last year and 500 have been filed since the start of 2021. While eviction notices can be filed, the moratorium process can halt evictions if handled properly.
In February, President Joe Biden signed an extension for housing foreclosures that runs until June 30.
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