The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday issued a new moratorium on evictions that would last until Oct. 3, which could help thousands of renters in the Charlotte area stay in their homes.
However, unlike the previous moratorium, this one does not cover the entire United States, only areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates.
[ READ MORE: CDC issues new eviction ban for most of US through October 3 ]
According to the National Equity Atlas, more than 28,000 households in Mecklenburg County were behind on rent.
Action 9′s Jason Stoogenke checked the CDC county tracker, and the entire Charlotte area appears to be on the list since all the counties are red, which indicates a high level of community transmission.
Stoogenke says renters are required to sign a CDC declaration to get this new protection. This is a legal document and should only be signed if you truly can’t afford your rent.
The previous moratorium expired a few days ago despite President Joe Biden urging Congress to extend it.
Stoogenke says even if this latest moratorium doesn’t survive the courts, it buys renters time to make other plans or apply for help from groups like RAMP CLT or Crisis Assistance Ministry.
Alexis Boyd says she owes her apartment complex about $5,000 in back rent.
“You catch up and then more bills hit, so you fall behind even more,” she told Stoogenke.
She says her landlord already has the eviction order. She says she’s in the process of moving and sticking with that, hoping to be able to afford her new place.
“It sucks. Me being so young. I’m only 25 years old and I am trying to make it out here,” she said.
Many landlords are struggling to pay their own bills too because they haven’t been able to collect rent. Just when they thought it was safe to move on, this new ban happened.
One landlord emailed Stoogenke: “It’s very hurtful that we are forced to provide our services for free … I feel like landlords have no rights.”
FINANCIAL HELP:
If you live in Mecklenburg County and need help with rent, apply to the emergency housing assistance program, RAMP CLT here.
You can get money to cover everything you owe, plus as many as three months of rent moving forward.
All people who have an eviction court date coming up within 90 days of their application will be placed in the highest priority category.
You can also apply if you need help with utilities or your mortgage.
You can also contact Crisis Assistance Ministry for help with rent or utilities. Call 704-371-3001 or go online to www.crisisassistance.org.
If you live in another county and need help, call the NC HOPE program to find out who to contact at 888-9ASK-HOPE or visit them online at www.rebuild.nc.gov/hope-program.
LEGAL HELP:
If you rent in Charlotte, the city has a dispute settlement program to help landlords and tenants work out agreements and avoid going to court. The service is free and confidential. Call 704-336-5330 or click here.
Legal Aid also provides free and confidential services. The group told Stoogenke it is preparing for all the additional renters who will have to go to court starting next week. To contact Legal Aid, call 866-219-LANC (5262) or go online to www.legalaidnc.org.
Renters should know that landlords are required to go to court and get a judge to sign off on eviction – this is called a “summary ejectment.” Don’t let him or her tell you otherwise.
If you’re facing eviction specifically for not being about to pay rent, Stoogenke wants to hear from you. Please email him at Action9@wsoctv.com.
(WATCH: Crisis Assistance Ministries in Gaston County helps those facing eviction)
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