Action 9

Advocates thankful for latest eviction moratorium extension

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — People who are struggling to pay rent just received some good news: the federal moratorium on evictions that was set to expire this week has been extended until March 31.

According to information obtained from the U.S. Census, one out of every five renters was behind on rent last month.

Advocates such Isaac Sturgill with Legal Aid told Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke the extension needed to happen.

“Without some type of moratorium remaining in place, we’re going to have a bunch of families that fall through the cracks and get evicted while they’re waiting on that rental assistance to be distributed,” Sturgill said.

Charlotte mother Tiffany Staten said she hasn’t been able to pay her full rent during the pandemic.

Staten said her landlord has been very understanding, but she doesn’t know for how much longer.

“What if he would’ve told us to leave? We could have been in the street with nowhere to go. I have no job. No nothing,” she said.

The moratorium only applies to people facing eviction because they can’t pay rent, but renters can still be evicted for other reasons.

Renters also need to sign a legal document found here.

The moratorium can make things difficult for landlords as well.

The North Carolina Hope Program will provide rent for struggling families but many landlords don’t like the fine print and won’t take the money.

Shondala Kelly is a landlord. She has four homes she rents out and she takes care of her disabled daughter.

“My bills still go on ... I still have to maintain the houses whether I have a mortgage on it or not,” she said.

The second stimulus package included $25 billion to help renters pay rent, which also helps landlords.

President Joe Biden’s stimulus plan includes an additional $25 billion for rent.

“It’s going to take time for that money to get out,” Sturgill said.