Wolf Bans PA Evictions, Foreclosures Through August

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday ordered that almost all evictions and foreclosures in Pennsylvania be postponed through the end of August.

The executive order protects renters and homeowners through Aug. 31 if they have not received help from a new Pennsylvania housing program and aren't otherwise getting help from the federal government or other assistance.

The order averts what some had called a looming housing crisis in Pennsylvania, due to joblessness and lost wages during the coronavirus outbreak.

"I am taking this action to help families know they will have a roof over their heads and a place to live while all of us fight the COVID-19 pandemic," Wolf said. "It takes one more burden off of people who are struggling and ensures that families can remain in their homes so they can protect their health and well-being."

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According to the order, all lenders and property owners who are receiving funds from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency are not to pursue foreclosure or eviction through the end of August.

Wolf signed legislation in May that provides $150 million for rental assistance and $25 million for mortgage assistance through the agency. It began accepting applications July 6.

For eligibility information and applications, visit the PHFA website.

Wolf had previously signed an executive order suspending evictions and foreclosures. That order expires Friday.

In March, as the coronavirus outbreak hit Pennsylvania hard, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court had ordered courts closed to eviction proceedings due to the COVID-19 state of emergency.

In a March 30 letter, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro wrote landlords and mortgage lenders, urging them to extend the time during which eviction proceedings are suspended "to give affected Pennsylvanians time to get back on their feet."

If you believe that you have been wrongfully evicted from your home or wrongfully had your property foreclosed, you may file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal Housing Finance Agency (including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have each extended eviction and foreclosure protections for housing under their authority to Aug. 31.

In almost all circumstances, renters and homeowners are required to continue making monthly payments if they can. Pennsylvanians struggling to make monthly payments should contact their landlord or mortgage servicer immediately, Wolf's office said.

The governor’s order does not apply to situations involving property damage or illegal activity.

Since March 15 — the onset of the pandemic — more than 2 million Pennsylvanians have filed for unemployment and the state has paid out more than $21.5 billion in state and federal unemployment benefits.

The state's unemployment rate spiked to 16.1 percent in April and remained at 13.1 percent in May — still more than double the state's unemployment rate in March, when it was 6 percent.

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