The temporary halt in residential evictions originally issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sept. 4, 2020, has been extended by a provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020.
This moratorium applies to multi-family housing financed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development when the tenants certify that they meet the following criteria:
- All adults in the household have attempted to obtain any available government assistance for rent;
- The household meets annual income limits of $99,000 per individual or $198,000 per couple;
- The household is unable to pay full rent due to a loss of household income or extraordinary medical expenses;
- Timely partial payments have been attempted; and
- Eviction would likely make the household members homeless or force them into an unsafe shared living arrangement.
This halt of tenant evictions is authorized under Title V, Subpart A, Section 502 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
Where state or local guidance is more restrictive, owners and agents of USDA-financed multi-family housing must closely follow the more restrictive local guidance. In Oregon, House Bill 4401 halts evictions through June 30, 2021; prohibits late fees; and establishes funds to help landlords whose tenants have been unable to pay rent, as well as to help tenants make their payments.
We appreciate the continued commitment of our multi-family housing partners to provide quality housing during this difficult time. If USDA-financed multi-family housing properties are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and tenant inability to pay rent, Rural Development will continue to accept forbearance requests under the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act as long as the National Emergency is in place.
To learn more about forbearance options provided in the CARES Act, visit Rural Development COVID-19 Response website.