AffordableHousingOnline

Affordable Housing Online is monitoring the federal government's response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. As of March 13, 2020, Public Housing Agencies across the nation are closing their doors to the public. Most offices are still running and will communicate by phone, email, or mail. Some offices have drop boxes installed outside, so documents can still be hand-delivered. Visit the housing authority's website for the latest on its current operations, if one is available. If there is no information online, contact the housing authority directly. Due to a high volume of calls and modified office hours in most areas, expect a long wait time (days or weeks) for a response. To find your local PHA's contact info, browse by state here.

An extensive list of coronavirus resources for low-income households can be found here.

View Affordable Housing Online's Resource for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Can I be evicted if I can't pay rent because of coronavirus?

Answer

If you’re currently living in a federally-backed property, or certain areas of the country, there are protections that prevent tenants from getting evicted if they cannot pay rent. But the specific policy and effective period varies, depending on your housing situation and where you live.

  • Federally-backed properties: Evictions are suspended for 120 days, as of March 27, 2020. This includes every HUD, USDA, and Treasury Department housing program, such as:

    • Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
    • Public Housing
    • Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
    • Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance
    • Low-Income Housing Tax-Credit
    • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
    • Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities
    • Section 515 Rural Rental Housing
    • Section 521 Rural Rental Assistance
  • HUD-owned properties: Evictions are suspended until May 1, 2020. (This action was superseded by the CARES Act)
  • USDA Single Family Housing Direct Loans and Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loans: Evictions, foreclosures, and loans have been suspended for 60 days, as of March 19, 2020. (This action was superseded by the CARES Act)
  • Properties secured by FHA-insured Single Family mortgages: Evictions and foreclosures are suspended for 60 days, as of March 18, 2020.
  • Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) Grant Programs: ONAP has recommended a temporary suspension of all evictions, foreclosures, and any actions that would result in residents becoming homeless or otherwise unstable.
  • Section 184 and 184A Loans: Evictions and foreclosures are suspended for 60 days, as of March 20, 2020.
  • Private market rate properties: Many states and local governments have suspended evictions for varying time periods. A detailed list of eviction policies in all areas of the country can be found here.

If your housing situation does not apply to any of the above, you could get evicted if you can't pay rent this month. And even if your situation applies, rent payments are not guaranteed to be cancelled outright and you may still be liable for missed payments in the future.

More FAQs from Low Income Households

  • Are housing authorities still open during the coronavirus outbreak?
  • Do I have to do anything if I’m on a rental subsidy program and become unemployed or lose hours from coronavirus?
  • What is the government stimulus payment?
  • Who qualifies for the government stimulus payment?
  • How do I get the government stimulus payment?