Facing Eviction or Worried About Paying Rent? Help Is Available

The federal eviction moratorium, put in place as the pandemic took hold in 2020 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, expired on July 31, 2021. On August 3rd, the Biden Administration extended the moratorium. You can find more information about the moratorium at bit.ly/COVIDEvictionMoratorium.

Even with the moratorium, tenants across Massachusetts continue to be at risk of eviction during this escalating public health crisis. Advocates fear confusion around the CDC order will result in displacement, and its expiration will bring a new wave of eviction cases. When the state allowed its moratorium to expire last fall, more than 19,000 people were sued for eviction and thousands of pending court cases that were on hold resumed.

There are unprecedented amounts of federal funds available to help with rent and mortgage payments, utility assistance, and moving expenses. Tenants should not move out and should apply immediately for assistance. There are also free legal services lawyers available to provide advice and representation, and community organizations to offer support and information.

Please help to spread the word about the assistance that is available. Post this information on your website and through social media, flyers, and newsletters, and at meetings. Many tenants facing housing insecurity do not know how to get rental assistance and free legal aid. As we face another surge of COVID cases, we must ensure that tenants are getting the help they need to stabilize their housing.