Empire State Today

Rent and eviction moratoriums are beginning to expire just as states are reopening their doors and many workers are finally returning to work. Yet there are potential problems on the horizon as landlords can start demanding months of back rent.

Up to 23 million Americans could face evictions by the end of September, leading to a potential housing crisis.  Forty-two states have protected renters from eviction, postponing required rent payments as a result of the economic impacts of shutdowns meant to slow the spread of COVID-19.

"There's not really many options out there for us when it comes to trying to find a place during this pandemic," said Kiana Ashley, one of those who may face eviction in the coming months.

The problem is that nearly half of the eviction moratoriums are being lifted, and millions of individuals are still not working.

“The United States can expect an avalanche of evictions that will impact the entire community and have a cascade of additional losses, everything from financial well-being to health to housing opportunities across the country,” said Emily Benfer, director of the Health Justice Advocacy Clinic at Columbia Law School.

For those who have Section 8 vouchers, the search for affordable housing is even more difficult. Ashley is one of 50 million people who rent their homes and are experiencing job or income loss because of the pandemic. People of color have been disproportionately affected.

“Black households are more than twice as likely to evicted as white households, so it’s significant impact that we’re going to have here,” Benfer said.

The HEROES Act, passed by the House but stalled in the Senate, includes $100 billion in rental relief, and a national moratorium on evictions. In order to help residents remain in their homes, states have enacted rent relief bills that offer funding for people who can’t pay rent.

There is still work to be done, however, because the proposed funding will barely scratch the surface of what is needed, according to WDBJ7.