Eviction moratoriums at the federal, state and local level have helped reduce eviction filings, but some eligible renters may not be aware of programs and further outreach is needed, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report issued March 15.
GAO said its analysis of 63 jurisdictions found that the median rate of eviction filings was about 74 percent lower in the last week of July 2020—when a moratorium included in the CARES Act expired—than in the same week in 2019. Eviction filings remained lower throughout 2020 (relative to 2019) but gradually increased during a separate moratorium ordered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in September 2020, the report said.
“During this moratorium, jurisdictions without separate state or local moratoriums experienced larger increases in eviction filings, which suggests that some renters may not fully understand how to use the CDC moratorium (completing required documentation),” the report said.
GAO said in the report that although CDC extended its moratorium through March 31, 2021, it has taken few steps to promote awareness and understanding of the moratorium and its requirements. “Clear, accurate, and timely information is essential to keep the public informed during the pandemic. Without a communication and outreach plan, including federal coordination, CDC will be missing an opportunity to ensure that eligible renters avoid eviction.”
