National Moratorium Extended Against Evictions

The CDC announced that they would be extending the national moratorium against evictions from residential rental properties. Today’s announcement will extend the moratorium, which was set to expire on March 31^st to continue until June 30th.

Three items of particular concern stand out from the CDC’s announcement:

1. While the order does not prohibit evictions for engaging in criminal activity while on the leased premises, covered persons may not be evicted on the sole basis that they are alleged to have committed the crime of trespass (or similar state-law offense).
2. Covered persons may use any written document in place of the declaration form if it includes the required information in the form or use a form translated into other languages.
3. Individuals who have, who might have been exposed to, or who might have COVID-19 should not be evicted on the grounds that they pose a health or safety threat to other residents;

It is unclear if Governor Cooper will follow the CDC and extend the states eviction moratorium. Executive Order 191 is currently slated to expire March 31^st. There is no indication that Governor Cooper will not extend the moratorium, however the states rental assistance program remains closed to new applicants and continues to disburse payments from the CARES Act funding. Additional funds have been allocated to the program but there is no indication when those funds will be distributed or when new applicants will be received. A number of localities have established Emergency Rental Assistance programs. The latest listing is listed below. We will continue monitor these developments and share any updated information as it becomes available.
 
Additional Rent Assistance Resources
The local programs listed below also provide rent and utility assistance. The NC 211 Resource database may also have a local program that can help you. 

• Wake County residents: find out about assistance that may be available to you at housewake.org/.
• Mecklenburg County residents: find out about assistance that may be available to you at rampclt.com
• Greensboro residents: find out about assistance that may be available to you at Greensboro Housing Coalition.
• Wilmington residents: find out about assistance that may be available to you at Good Shepherd Wilmington Eviction Prevention Project.
• Asheville residents: find out about assistance that may be available to you at pisgahlegal.org and www.homewardboundwnc.org.
• Chapel Hill residents: find out about assistance that may be available to you at orangecountync.gov/HousingAssistance.
• High Point residents: find out about assistance that may be available to you by calling (336) 883-3111.
• Hickory residents: find out about assistance that may be available to you at ccmhickory.org.
• Cabarrus County residents: find out about assistance that may be available to you. at concordnc.gov/Departments/Housing.
• Burlington residents: find out about assistance that may be available to you by calling (336) 222-5070.