Biden Administration Extends Eviction Moratorium By One Month

Progressive Democrats have been successful in pushing for President Joe Biden to extend the eviction moratorium for one month. Some liberals still believe this isn’t enough time and claim that until the COVID-vaccination program reaches more people, citizens should be protected from eviction.

The eviction moratorium has been extended until July 31, with lawmakers saying this is the last extension. This has caused outrage among many Democrats. Some members of Congress claim that the low vaccination rate in majority-minority neighborhoods threatens to increase the spread of COVID-19. According to the Census Bureau, around seven million people are behind on their rent. Of these seven million, there is a disproportionate number of minority households.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) has published a letter asking for lawmakers to extend the date beyond June 30. Beyond the additional month, Pressley is asking for Biden to strengthen the terms of the eviction moratorium. In her letter, she states the administration that the moratorium needs “significantly strengthening the current CDC moratorium to ensure the protections are automatic, self-executing and that tenants are not expected to navigate a myriad of overly burdensome eligibility requirements in order to safely remain in their homes.” Pressley believes housing goes beyond the financial sphere, stating “the eviction crisis is a racial justice issue.”

Biden has previously supported the idea of extending the ban until September 30.

The current government guidance states: “Under a state law called the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act, you can prevent your landlord from evicting you if you have lost income or increased expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic or if moving from your home would pose a hardship during the pandemic.”

Article by Begonia El Koury