CDC announces "final extension" of the national Covid eviction ban
Atlanta, Georgia - The national moratorium on evictions has been extended until the end of July, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Thursday.
The eviction ban was scheduled to expire on June 30, but will now be extended through July 31, the federal health agency said.
But CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky warned cash-strapped renters that the feds do not plan to issue any further extensions because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This is intended to be the final extension of the moratorium," the CDC said in a statement.
The ban applies to most renters who make less than $100,000 who can show proof of financial hardship related to the pandemic.
The CDC first implemented the ban last September, with health officials arguing that it would help prevent the spread of Covid in crowded settings like homeless shelters, where evicted tenants might wind up.
President Biden, shortly after taking office, extended the moratorium through the end of March, then again through the end of June.
The dangers of Covid have waned since infection rates have dramatically declined in recent months and millions of Americans have gotten vaccinated.
Landlords have challenged the eviction ban in court, claiming health agencies exceeded their authority by making a ruling with sweeping impact on the housing market.
A federal judge agreed with the landlords, but kept the ruling pending appeals that could go to the Supreme Court.
Cover photo: 123RF/mrdoomits