CDC delivers verdict on eviction and foreclosure bans

Find out if the emergency pandemic protection will be extended

Despite protests from housing groups to sunset the eviction moratorium, the Biden administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have decided to extend the nationwide ban protecting tenants who are unable to make rental payments for one final month.

The moratorium, which was scheduled to expire on June 30, was extended through July 31. CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said that this is the last time they intend to extend the moratorium. “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a historic threat to the nation’s public health. Keeping people in their homes and out of crowded or congregate settings — like homeless shelters — by preventing evictions is a key step in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19,” the health agency said in a statement.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that the eviction ban, which had been extended several times before, was “always intended to be temporary” and that the President’s aim is to provide COVID-impacted tenants with a sort of off-ramp once it ends.

“Hence, we’ve also worked to take additional steps to ensure people are getting the support they need to stay in their homes, whether they are renters or homeowners,” Psaki said. “But we’d certainly defer to the CDC on their decision and their timeline.”

Following the CDC’s decision to extend the emergency pandemic protection, the White House announced a series of actions to stabilize homeowners and help them make the transition without massive social upheaval. The administration’s new initiative includes accelerating the distribution of emergency rental assistance, developing eviction diversion programs, and more.

Landlords and housing organizations have made it clear that they are against any extension. Last week, a coalition of real estate organizations wrote a letter to Biden pointing out that it is time to put an end to the moratorium.