Landlords left high and dry as tenants stop paying rent

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 8:38 AM PT – Sunday, August 29, 2021

As activists continue to mount pressure against the Democrats to legislate an eviction moratorium, many landlords are severely struggling due to the previous Centers for Disease Control and Prevention restrictions. With the termination of the federal moratorium by the Supreme Court, what landlords can do next is uncertain.

Many states have their own moratoria and in New York, Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul, has promised a special legislative session to extend the moratorium in the Empire State. Reports showed nearly 10 percent of landlords have received less than half of rent owned since the CDC first implemented the cancellation of losses.

The Supreme Court’s appalling and insensitive ruling eliminates a key line of defense for tenants, and we are exploring all options to protect New Yorkers from eviction.

New Yorkers should complete & submit their applications for eviction protection immediately. This is urgent. pic.twitter.com/CDVQ8HG0cG

— Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) August 27, 2021

Small landlords are estimated to have borne the brunt of the losses. While rental assistance exists, most states have done a poor job of getting that assistance to the landlords. Additionally, since the landlords cannot evict for non-payment or rent, they are left without cash or access to their property.

“I don’t understand how they can give my private property to somebody to live for free. I bought that property,” said Brandie Lacasse. “I fixed it up with my blood, sweat and tears…I invested in these properties never thinking I wouldn’t have a place to live,” pleaded the small landlord who has now been thrusted into homelessness.

With the Supreme Court ruling 6-3 to overturn the CDC’s moratorium, some landlord groups said they feel relieved. However, the ruling doesn’t mean landlords should be complacent as groups said it’s time for state and local governments to disperse federal rent relief funds.

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