The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention on Thursday extended the nationwide Covid-19 eviction moratorium one more month, through the end of July — but said this is intended to be the final extension.
"The Covid-19 pandemic has presented a historic threat to the nation’s public health," the CDC said in its announcement. "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 moratorium, which was to expire this coming Wednesday, June 30, prevents tenants from being evicted if they can't pay rent due to the pandemic. It does not prevent evictions for other reasons.
As of March, more than 6 million households were behind on their rent, according to federal data.
Democrats in Congress argued for extending and strengthening the moratorium, saying more time is needed for billions of dollars to be distributed to tenants in arrears through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, or ERAP.
Landlord groups have fought the moratorium, arguing it burdens property owners who have their own bills to pay. In a petition to the Supreme Court, landlords contended they are losing more than $13 billion a month due to the measure.
Rental assistance in Lancaster County
In Lancaster County, rental aid from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program, ERAP, is being made available through the county housing and redevelopment authorities.
Through mid-June, the local ERAP program had distributed nearly $2 million in assistance for rent, utilities and related costs.
For information and application materials, visit the authorities' website.
