Federal and State Foreclosure and Evictions Moratoriums

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Federal

The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that it’s suspending all evictions and foreclosures until the end of April. (Applies only to FHA-insured single family mortgages)

The Federal Housing Finance Agency directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to do the same for a minimum of 60 days.

The National Multifamily Housing Council put out a release on March 22 asking apartment owners and landlords to halt evictions for renters who were experiencing job loss or reduction in income due to COVID-19. The council went on to request a 90-day pause on all rent increases.

Alabama

No eviction moratorium in place. Small businesses across Alabama impacted by the coronavirus pandemic are eligible for assistance through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

Alaska

No formal eviction moratorium in place. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy released the Alaska COVID-19 Economic Stabilization Plan. He will sign an executive order stating that no evictions can be carried out on the 13,000 Alaskans who receive rental assistance through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for 60 days. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation will suspend foreclosures and evictions.

Arizona

No eviction moratorium in place. The Arizona Supreme Court gave the courts authorization to suspend mandatory timelines on eviction hearings. The Arizona Multi-housing Association has urged tenants to reach out to their landlords and has encouraged landlords to work with tenants who are having issues.

Phoenix

Maricopa County Justice Courts will delay eviction hearings until at least early April. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has said the city will pause all financial evictions on city-owned housing.

Tucson

Pima County Constables have filed a letter saying they will pause all evictions until they receive updates from the county health department and the Arizona Supreme Court.

Arkansas

No eviction moratorium in place. The state has made a request for disaster loans for small businesses and will allocate $12 million in block grant money and up to $4 million from the quick-action fund to provide bridge loans to help midsize companies and nonprofits.

Little Rock

The Metropolitan Housing Alliance has announced that public housing residents and Section 8 tenants in Little Rock will not be evicted during this time period. The housing agency will work with property management companies on rent forbearance.

California

Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that authorizes local governments to pause evictions for renters. The protection is in effect through May 31, 2020, for now. Tenants are still obligated to pay rent, and landlords can still recover rent that is due.

Arcata

The city is discussing a moratorium on evictions. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said that it will not be enforcing evictions “effective immediately until further notice.”

El Monte

The city has a 60-day eviction moratorium in place.

Fresno

The city of Fresno issued an order on March 20, 2020, stating that no residential tenants can be evicted due to loss of income related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Commercial landlords are also prohibited from evicting commercial tenants who own businesses that are closed, either voluntarily or by a mandate to reduce the spread of the virus. The tenant must notify the landlord and provide documentation. Tenants will have up to six months after the termination of the emergency declaration to repay back rent. The eviction moratorium is in effect for 30 days but could be extended.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an executive order that no landlord can evict a residential tenant in the City of Los Angeles during the local emergency period. Tenants will have up to six months following the expiration of the local emergency period to repay any back due rent. The LA City Council is considering expanding the moratorium to 12 months.

San Bernardino

The San Bernardino City Council declared a local emergency on March 18 and plans to put an eviction plan in place.

San Diego

San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer announced plans to take immediate steps on a temporary eviction moratorium to provide relief to residents and businesses facing financial hardship related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The proposed ordinance will still require tenants to pay rent and allow landlords to recover rental fees at a future time.

San Francisco

San Francisco Mayor London Breed has enacted a moratorium on residential evictions as well as commercial evictions for small and medium-sized businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis. It applies to all businesses with a license to operate in San Francisco that have less than $25 million in annual gross receipts. The residential moratorium began on March 13 and lasts for 30 days but may be extended.

San Jose

The San Jose City Council is expecting to create an eviction moratorium that will be in place for at least 30 days. Tenants will have to prove that their inability to pay rent is related to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ventura County

A variety of cities in Ventura County, including Camarillo, Ojai, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, and Simi Valley, have put an eviction moratorium for nonpayment of rent in place.

Colorado

No statewide eviction moratorium in place at this time. Colorado is part of the Small Business Administration (SBA) program offering emergency loans to small businesses.

Denver

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced that evictions are paused for now.

Connecticut

The state has paused hearings on eviction cases through March 27; however, landlords can still file new eviction cases. Housing advocates have asked for eviction moratoriums.

Delaware

The Delaware Justice of the Peace has paused all landlord/tenant proceedings through April 16, 2020, to be rescheduled for a date no earlier than May 1, 2020.

Florida

No statewide eviction moratorium in place at this time, but Governor DeSantis has said he will consider one. Florida is part of the Small Business Administration (SBA) program offering emergency loans to small businesses. Small-business owners with two to 100 employees located in Florida affected by COVID-19 can apply for short-term loans up to $50,000.

Broward County

Broward County has halted all residential eviction proceedings for the time being.

Seminole and Brevard County

Per Chief Judge Lisa Davidson of the 18th District, eviction and foreclosure proceedings in both Seminole and Brevard County are pausedthrough April 15.

Georgia

No statewide eviction moratorium is in place at this time.

Atlanta

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has issued an executive order pausing residential evictions and filings for 60 days.

Hawaii

No eviction moratoriums in place yet. The state is seeking to limit tourism at this time.

Idaho

No eviction moratorium is in place yet. Idaho’s constitution requires eviction hearings to be completed within a specific time frame, and there has been no announcement of a change by the state government or legislature. Eviction hearings have stopped in Blaine County after an order from 5th District Administrative Judge Eric Wildman.

Boise

The city of Boise will waive rent for April in approximately 300 units of public housing and block evictions for any of its residents.

Illinois

Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order pausing enforcement of residential evictions until April 8. The 10th Judicial Circuit has postponed all eviction court cases until April 17 in Peoria, Tazewell, Marshall, Putnam, and Stark counties. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved the state’s eligibility for disaster assistance loans for small businesses.

Chicago

In a press conference on March 19, Mayor Lori Lightfoot asked all property owners to “give tenants some grace” during this period. Eviction cases are handled in the Circuit Court of Cook County, which has paused eviction cases until April 15th.

Indiana

On March 20, Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued an executive order pausing evictions and foreclosures until the state of emergency is over. Tenants and homeowners will still be obligated to make up the payments. Public housing authorities have also been asked to extend deadlines for eligibility requirements for public housing.

Iowa

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has enacted a temporary suspension of some evictions and paused the commencement of foreclosure proceedings and the prosecution of ongoing foreclosure proceedings on residential, commercial, and agricultural real property located in the state of Iowa. The new rules are part of a state of public health disaster emergency plan set to expire on April 16, 2020, unless extended.

Kansas

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed anexecutive order on March 20 to order financial institutions to pause both business and residential evictions as well as mortgage foreclosures until May 1.

Kentucky

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has paused eviction cases.

Louisville

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has suspended evictions.

Louisiana

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced on March 18 that the state is suspending foreclosures and evictions. Small businesses in all 64 Louisiana parishes will have access to federal Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster aid.

Maine

No statewide eviction moratorium in place. Courts are closed for eviction hearings until May 1, but courts are still issuing writs of possession, and in most counties in Maine, they are still being served.

Maryland

On March 16, Governor Larry Hogan issued an emergency order that stops Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can show that their failure to pay rent is related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The order is in place until the state of emergency is over.

Baltimore

In Baltimore County, all evictions are suspended while the county is under a state of emergency.

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Legislature put out an emergency declaration that prevents evictions by sheriffs and constables as well as foreclosures of residential property. Small businesses in the state are also eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans through the Small Business Association.

Boston

In a speech on March 17, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh stated he is working with housing advocates, property owners, and the Boston Housing Authority to halt all eviction proceedings until the coronavirus outbreak is over. His office is also working with lenders and landlords to prevent loan defaults and evictions for small businesses.

Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order on March 20 temporarily halting evictions for nonpayment of rent through April 17. The order allows tenants and mobile home owners to remain in their homes and allows courts to delay eviction-related proceedings. The governor has also extended the tax foreclosure deadline.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Legislature has introduced a bill that includes a moratorium on evictions. The bill blocks rental property owners from filing for eviction for 30 days in places where public health emergencies have been declared. Late fees on unpaid rent could not be charged for 60 days. The bill also includes the creation of a temporary housing assistance program.

Mississippi

No eviction moratorium in place currently, although some state activists are calling for one.

Missouri

No eviction moratorium in place. Eviction proceedings in court are currently suspended in Jackson County. Tenants have asked Governor Mike Parson for a statewide moratorium.

Montana

No eviction moratorium is currently in place. The Montana Legal Services Association recommends you work directly with your landlord if you are a tenant.

Nebraska

No statewide eviction moratorium is in place currently. Over two dozen state advocacy groups have asked for a pause in evictions. Governor Pete Ricketts said he is looking into who has the authority to halt eviction proceedings on a state level.

Nevada

No statewide eviction moratorium in place. The Nevada Housing Rights Coalition has asked local governments to enact a statewide moratorium on evictions. Nevada has received statewide approval for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest federal loans for small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

New Hampshire

On March 17, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu issued an executive order saying that landlords will not be allowed to start eviction proceedings for any tenant unable to pay due to the impact of the coronavirus and that foreclosures will also be frozen.

New Jersey

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued an executive order on March 19 pausing evictions and foreclosures for 60 days after the state Senate passed a bill to give him the authority to make changes. Murphy has also requested that lending institutions work with borrowers who are experiencing hardship.

New Mexico

No statewide eviction moratorium in place. Anyone who has received an eviction notice is asked to call the state’s COVID-19 general hotline at 833-551-0518.

Albuquerque

The City of Albuquerque has stopped evictions on all public housing for nonpayment. Judges hearing eviction cases can grant continuances.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber has frozen both residential and commercial eviction indefinitely as well as putting a moratorium on water shut-off.

New York

Governor Andrew Cuomo has enacted a three-month suspension of all commercial and residential evictions. The state will also suspend mortgage payments for people who are out of work for 90 days.

New York City

Although evictions are paused, New York landlords can still file new eviction cases even though all new cases are being postponed for at least 45 days. A hotline run by Housing Court Answers at 212-962-4795 offers advice and resources.

North Carolina

An order from North Carolina Chief Justice Cheri Beasley on March 13 paused all eviction and foreclosure cases for 30 days. Representative Alma Adams has asked for a 90-day moratorium on evictions, foreclosures, and utility shut-offs.

North Dakota

No eviction legislation in place yet, but the High Plains Fair Housing Center has asked North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to enact an eviction moratorium.

Ohio

There is no statewide eviction moratorium in place. Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor of the Ohio Supreme Court has asked municipal courts to limit eviction and foreclosure proceedings.

Cleveland

There isn’t a formal ruling in place yet, but Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley has announced that the city will suspend evictions due to economic hardship caused by the impact of the coronavirus. Kelley has asked the Cleveland Municipal Housing Court to stop eviction proceedings.

Oklahoma

There is no statewide eviction moratorium in place. Oklahoma County Sheriff P.D. Taylor has suspended the enforcement of residential evictions, and Tulsa County announced a two-week moratorium on evictions.

Oregon

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has said the state will move forward with an eviction moratorium but hasn’t released any details yet.

Portland

The Portland City Council is reportedly open to considering a citywide eviction moratorium.

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has closed all courts and ruled that state residents can’t be evicted from their homes or businesses through April 3.

Philadelphia

Most foreclosure proceedings have been suspended. All evictions are on pause until at least March 29, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority has also updated its eviction policies.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo has announced that state courts will not process any residential or commercial evictions for the next thirty days.

South Carolina

South Carolina Chief Justice Don Beatty has paused all eviction proceedings in county magistrate court that don’t involve “essential services and/or harm to person or property.”

South Dakota

No eviction moratorium yet. South Dakota small businesses are eligible for the Small Business Association’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which offer up to $2 million in assistance per small business to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for nonprofits is 2.75%.

Tennessee

The Tennessee Supreme Court has suspended most in-person court proceedings, including eviction cases.

Nashville

Nashville was already recovering from the impact of a tornado on March 3. Mayor John Cooper has announced that the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office would stop serving evictions for victims of the tornado or who are dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak.

Texas

On March 19, the Texas Supreme Court issued an order stopping eviction proceedings for the next 30 days, until April 19. There are exceptions for criminal activity or if the tenants “pose an imminent physical threat.”

Utah

There is no statewide eviction moratorium in place, although courts have paused eviction proceedings in many counties. The Utah Apartment Association is creating rent deferment plans for renters who can show that their income is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vermont

No statewide moratorium on evictions in place, but several groups, including Vermont Legal Aid, have asked for one. The Vermont Supreme Court has declared a “judicial emergency” and has suspended all nonemergency court hearings, including eviction hearings, in response to COVID-19.

Virginia

The Supreme Court of Virginia has suspended all new eviction cases in the Commonwealth of Virginia for tenants unable to pay rent as a result of COVID-19 through April 6.

Washington

Governor Jay Inslee has prevented residential landlords from serving a notice of unlawful detainer for default payment of rent for the next 30 days. Additionally, law enforcement may not enforce eviction orders based solely on nonpayment of rent. Up to $5 million of the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Funds will be made available as small grants to small businesses across the state to help prevent closure due to COVID-19.

Seattle

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan issued a moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment until termination of the civil emergency declared on March 3, 2020, or 30 days from the effective date of the Emergency Order on March 13. It blocks landlords from issuing a notice of termination or initiating an eviction for nonpayment of rent. It also blocks late fees or other charges due to late payment of rent during the moratorium.

Washington, D.C.

The D.C. Supreme Court has suspended evictions of all tenants and foreclosed homeowners.

West Virginia

No statewide eviction moratorium is currently in place. West Virginians in need of assistance with an eviction are encouraged to call 2-1-1 or visit WV211.org.

Wyoming

No eviction moratorium is in place as of now. Wyoming small businesses are now eligible to apply for up to $2 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans designed to help small businesses and private nonprofits that have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

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