MADISON — Renters behind in payments will have another two months to make arrangements with their landlords following a last-minute extension of the eviction moratorium.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky on Aug. 3, 2021 signed the order, determining the evictions of tenants for failure to make rent or housing payments could be detrimental to public health control measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. This order will expire on October 3, 2021.
The order applies to counties experiencing substantial and high levels of community transmission levels of COVID-19.
As of Wednesday, much of Wisconsin was included in those categories.
Outagamie County, with about 60 percent of those age 18 and older fully vaccinated is currently seeing substantial spread.
But what happens when the moratorium ends?
UW-Madison’s financial education department has these recommendations, including:
Communicate with your landlord
Let your landlord know if you or anyone else in your household is still experiencing a loss of income. Remember—your landlord wants to avoid eviction as much as you do. Let your landlord know what steps you’ve taken to seek assistance and how much you’re currently able to pay each month. In some cases, he/she may be willing to temporarily accept smaller payments if there’s a plan for making them up in the future.
Reach out for help
Temporary rent and utility assistance may be available based on your situation. For information on the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program please see the following website: https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/WERA.aspx. At this site you can find out about what assistance is available, learn if you’re eligible, and get directed to the application site that’s specific to your county. After you’ve applied let your landlord know that you are trying to get help and keep him/her updated on the status.
