A nationwide ban on evictions ended over the weekend, but 10 states still have protections in place for renters as housing advocates warn that millions of Americans could be on the brink of homelessness.
The policies, some of which are in place through the end of the year, will give state and local officials additional time to distribute $46 billion in rental assistance that Congress approved in December and March. Although intended to stave off a tidal wave of evictions, the rental assistance program has been slow to start: Recent Treasury Department data shows that just 6% of the money was doled out over the first half of the year.
To help tenants struggling to pay their rent and other bills, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau launched a new tool designed to assist those applying for federal relief money. Individuals who are approved can receive up to 18 months of rent covered.
Simply applying for the aid can also keep some tenants in their homes for longer: At least four states – Massachusetts, Nevada, New York and Oregon – are temporarily banning evictions against those with pending applications.
