According to the Guinn Center, 125,000 households are at risk of eviction when the CDC eviction moratorium expires at the end of July. State leaders anticipate a surge in eviction filings, and they've taken steps to create programs and work with local non-profits to help renters in need. If you're struggling to pay rent due to COVID-19, there may be help available.
What does an expiring eviction moratorium mean to you?
Last year, the State of Nevada and the CDC temporarily halted evictions for nonpayment of rent during the pandemic through eviction moratorium orders. Now that the moratoriums are expiring, past rent is due, and pending eviction cases are rising. The expiring eviction moratorium means it's time for you to seek help, catch up on all past due rent, or make a payment plan with your landlord to avoid eviction.
What should you do if you're behind on rent?
If you're behind on rent, there may be relief funds available. It's essential to communicate with your landlord and let them know you're struggling and applying for help. The burden to apply for relief and fill out all the paperwork is on you as the tenant. Relief is offered through state programs that help with up to 12 months of back rent, legal advice, and mediation between tenants and landlords.
Take these steps to get the process started:
Step 1: Fill out the CDC declaration form and give it to your landlord.
The form requires the tenant to declare that they:
- Tried to obtain all available government assistance for rent or housing.
- Earn less than $99,000 (or $198,000 if filing jointly) during 2020.
- Were unable to pay the full rent or make a full housing payment due to substantial loss of household income or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Tried to make timely partial payments if able.
- Will likely become homeless or forced to live in close quarters, shared living space if evicted.
Step 2: Apply for CARES Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) rental assistance.
After filling out the CDC declaration form in Step 1, apply for CHAP rental assistance through the Nevada Housing Division website. Just go to the website, pick your county, and follow the online form prompts.
Now is the time to act
With limited funds available for those in need, you want to apply for assistance quickly. KTNV reports that approximately $160 million is available for rental assistance, which is only expected to be enough to help 40,000 households. That means you want to apply for help now and work closely with your landlord throughout the application process. You're likely going to get frustrated; the process is bound to take longer than expected; and once you're approved, it may take a while to receive the funds to pay back rent. Communicating and working together with your landlord will help you get through this and hopefully save you from the eviction process.