Eviction Moratorium: What To Do If You Are Behind Rent In Waltham

WALTHAM, MA — As part of a new pandemic relief deal announced Sunday, the national eviction moratorium which was scheduled to end on Dec. 31 was extended one month to Jan. 31.

"While many people are focused on the $600 subsidy for individuals, [this] is another very important part of the package," said Daria Gere of WATCH CDC (Waltham Alliance for Teaching, Community Organizing and Housing). "This has been on the minds of a lot of tenants, so it will be a big relief to have at least one more month for trying to get caught up on rent or apply for rental assistance."

Gov. Charlie Baker signed an eviction moratorium in April, and that expired in October, but in September the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention imposed a Federal eviction moratorium meant to contain the spread of the virus.

Under both moratoriums a landlord can't evict a tenant for "non-essential" reasons like not paying rent. Landlords can still evict tenants who violate criminal laws or break a lease in an egregious way. But, unlike the state moratorium, tenants are not automatically covered by the moratorium.

If a someone is behind on their rent and needs help, the first step is to apply for rental assistance by filling out a declaration form to give to their landlord.

Renters expecting to make under $99,000 in 2020 are protected until the end of the year if they sign the declaration, according to the CDC.

The form establishes that the person is behind on their rent, is making every effort to make payments, has applied for rental assistance, and would be homeless if they were to be evicted, Gere said.

Anyone who needs the form can download it from watchcdc.org or pick one up at the Waltham public library or WATCH CDC office at 24 Crescent St., Suite 201.

"The eviction moratorium does not excuse tenants from paying rent. It does give tenants more time to catch up or apply for rental assistance," Gere said. "Tenants who are behind on their rent, should apply now for rental assistance. "

Information about how WATCH can help you apply for rental assistance as well as information about the city’s rental assistance program for those facing eviction, is available at the WATCH website: https://watchcdc.org/rental-assistance-available-to-waltham-residents/

Previously: Hundreds Of Waltham Residents Hope To Avoid Eviction

• $171M Plan Unveiled To Help As Eviction Ban Set To Expire

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.