Updated April 9, 2021
As the economic impacts of the pandemic continue to be felt across the nation, the federal government took new measures to help Americans facing financial hardships by extending the eviction moratorium through at least June 30, 2021.
The pandemic has led to as many as 14 million Americans struggling to pay for necessities like rent and utilities. With millions at risk of evictions or homelessness in the past year, the federal government has taken steps to minimize the hardships of the coronavirus crisis on tenants across the nation by implementing the eviction moratorium, placing holds on utility payments and freezing late rent fees.
If you are facing eviction during coronavirus, it’s important to know your rights as a tenant and understand how the eviction moratorium affects you. Keep reading for a state-by-state guide to your rights and resources for the federal eviction moratorium.
On March 29, the CDC issued an extension on the federal eviction moratorium through at least June 30, 2021. This is the second extension on the federal moratorium, giving renters three more months from the previous March 31 deadline for halting evictions.
The eviction moratorium prohibits landlords from evicting tenants who meet the following criteria:
Renters will need to provide this declaration form to their landlord.
Your local state, territory or tribal government may offer eviction protections that are longer than the federal minimum protections, so it’s important to check your state’s specific eviction policies to see if you are protected from eviction for longer than the federal minimum of June 30, 2021.
State-specific eviction protections expired in Alabama on June 1, 2020. However, the federal eviction moratorium has been extended through June 2021. The Alabama Public Services Commission stated that no customers will experience utility interruptions during the coronavirus crisis and that assistance will be granted with past-due accounts.
After the end of the crisis, utility assistance will be up to the service provider.
According to the Alaska Court System, evictions resumed in Alaska in July 2020 after state tenant protections expired. However, the extension of the federal eviction moratorium means Alaskans can stay in their rentals until at least June 30, 2021.
Arizona eviction protections expired on October 31, 2020. However, qualified renters may still be able to receive state assistance through the Arizona Department of Housing. Renters in Arizona will be able to stay in their rentals through at least June 30, 2021, due to the eviction moratorium extension passed by the Biden administration.
Arkansas never implemented a statewide eviction protection, but the federal eviction moratorium has been extended until at least June 30, 2021. Arkansas tenants will be able to stay in their rentals until at least then.
California eviction protections have recently been extended through June 30, 2021, the same day as the federal eviction moratorium. This means that California residents will be able to stay in their homes through at least then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form. However, tenants who’ve had financial hardships between September 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021 are expected to pay at least 25% of their rent to remain protected under the eviction moratorium.
In Colorado, landlords cannot charge tenants late rent fees through January 31, 2021. Although Colorado eviction protections expired on December 20, 2020, the federal eviction moratorium extension means Colorado residents will be able to stay in their homes until at least June 30, 2021. Although Colorado does not have statewide utility protections, many service providers have announced that no late fees or disconnects will occur during the crisis.
By order of the Governor of Connecticut, state evictions were extended through at least February 9, 2021. However, the federal eviction moratorium has been extended through at least June 30, 2021, meaning Connecticut residents will be able to stay in their homes through at least then.
Although utility protections expired October 31, 2020, the statutory Winter Protection Plan prevents heat shutoffs through May 1, 2021.
By order of the Governor of Delaware, landlords may file eviction lawsuits but courts must decline them. Additionally, landlords cannot charge late fees and law enforcement officers cannot remove tenants.
Utility providers in Delaware vary depending on the providers.
Lawmakers in the District of Columbia have suspended evictions until 60 days after the end of the state of emergency. Additionally, landlords are barred from sending notice to vacate letters while the eviction suspension is in effect. Utility shut-offs are prohibited until 15 days after the state of emergency.
Although the Florida eviction ban expired on October 1, 2020, the federal eviction moratorium has been extended through June 30, 2021. Floridians can stay in their homes without eviction until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration forms.
Although there is no statewide utility protection, many utility providers have announced that they will not shut off services during the crisis.
Although Georgia never enacted a statewide eviction ban, the federal eviction moratorium means Georgians are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021.
Georgians can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration forms. Georgia Public Service Commission has not released any information regarding utility protections; tenants can contact individual providers for details.
By Order of the Governor of Hawaii, state evictions were extended through at least Feb 14, 2021. However, the federal eviction moratorium has been extended through at least June 30, 2021, meaning Hawaii residents will be able to stay in their homes through at least then so long as they fill out the proper declaration forms. Hawaii utility protections expired on December 31, 2020.
Although Idaho never enacted a statewide eviction ban, the federal eviction moratorium means Idaho residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Idaho residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration forms.
Although the Idaho Public Service Commission has not announced a statewide utility policy, they have published information by county for Idaho residents looking for payment assistance.
By Order of the Governor of Illinois, state evictions were extended through at least February 6, 2021, unless the tenant poses a direct threat to people or property.
However, the federal eviction moratorium has been extended through at least June 30, 2021, meaning Illinois residents will be able to stay in their homes through at least then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Although Indiana evictions resumed in August 2020, the state provided relief funds of up to $2,000 through the COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program. The federal eviction moratorium means Illinois residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Illinois residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form. Although the Illinois utility shut off ban expired in August 2020, utility providers were required to extend payments through deadlines October 2020.
Although Iowa eviction protections expired in May 2020, the state provided relief funds for up to four months and $3,200 (the relief fund has now closed). The federal eviction moratorium means Iowans are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Illinois residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form. The Iowa Residential Utility Disruption Prevention Program provided Iowans with up to $2,000 worth of assistance for utilities bills, but the deadline for applications was November 20, 2020.
By Order of the Governor of Kansas, state evictions were extended through at least January 26 2021. However, the federal eviction moratorium has been extended through at least June 30, 2021, meaning Illinois residents will be able to stay in their homes through at least then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form. Kansas utilities providers are required to offer payment plans.
By Order of the Governor of Kentucky, state evictions were extended through August 25, 2020. However, the federal eviction moratorium has been extended through at least June 30, 2021, meaning Kentucky residents will be able to stay in their homes through at least then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Although Kentucky utility shutoff bans expired on October 20, 2020, many utility providers are still providing services through the crisis to those who are behind on payments.
Although the Louisiana eviction moratorium expired June 15, 2020, the federal eviction moratorium means Louisiana residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Louisiana residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission ended shut off suspensions, but waived unpaid late fees between March 13 and July 16, 2020.
Although evictions may proceed in Maine, notice periods have been extended during the crisis. Additionally, the federal eviction moratorium means Maine residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Maine residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Maine’s utility shut offs expired November 1, 2020, but standard winter restrictions are in effect through April 15, 2021.
Maryland evictions have been suspended for the entire duration of the coronavirus state of emergency. Additionally, the federal eviction moratorium means Maryland residents are safe from eviction through at least June 30, 2021, but possibly further contingent on the end of the state of emergency. According to the federal moratorium, Maryland residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Although Maryland’s utility shut off protections ended November 15, 2020, utility providers are required to offer a payment plan of at least 12 months.
Although the Massachusetts eviction moratorium expired October 17, 2020, the federal eviction moratorium means Massachusetts residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Massachusetts residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities ended shut off suspensions in November.
Although the state did not offer eviction protections, proceed, the federal eviction moratorium means Michigan residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Michigan residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
The Michigan Public Services Commission ended utility shut off protections in July 2020.
Minnesota evictions have been suspended for the entire duration of the coronavirus state of emergency. Additionally, the federal eviction moratorium means Minnesota residents are safe from eviction through at least June 30, 2021, but possibly further contingent on the end of the state of emergency. According to the federal moratorium,
Minnesota residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form. Minnesota’s state-regulated utilities are required to provide consumer protections through the state of emergency.
Although Mississippi eviction protection expired June 1, 2020, the federal eviction moratorium means Mississippi residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Mississippi residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Mississippi has not provided utility shutoff protections at the state level, but residents are encouraged to set up a payment plan directly with providers if they are struggling to pay their bills.
Although Missouri does not have state eviction protections, the federal eviction moratorium means Missouri residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Missouri residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Missouri has not provided utility shutoff protections at the state level, but residents are encouraged to check the Missouri Public Service Commission website to find financial assistance.
By Order of the Governor of Montana, evictions and utility shut offs have been suspended for the entire duration of the coronavirus state of emergency. Additionally, the federal eviction moratorium means Montana residents are safe from eviction through at least June 30, 2021, but possibly further contingent on the end of the state of emergency. As per the federal moratorium, Minnesota residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
According to the Montana Public Services Commission, Montana residents cannot be disconnected or charged utility late fees due to nonpayment.
Although Nebraska eviction protections expired May 31, 2020, the federal eviction moratorium means Nebraska residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Nebraska has not provided a state-level utility protection plan, but residents are encouraged to look into companies agreeing to the Keep Nebraskans Connected Pledge.
By order of the Governor of Nevada, a moratorium on evictions has been placed through at least March 31, 2021, but the federal eviction moratorium extends that date to June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Nevada’s suspension on utility disconnects expired in September 2020. Residents are encouraged to use NV Energy’s FlexPay allowance.
Although New Hampshire eviction protections expired July 1, 2020, the federal eviction moratorium means New Hampshire residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
New Hampshire has winter utility rules that make it difficult to disconnect customers during the winter months, which ended on March 31, 2021.
By order of the Governor of New Jersey, a moratorium on evictions has been placed through the end of the state of emergency plus two months.
Additionally, utility shutoff bans have been extended through June 30, 2021. Utility shut offs are completely banned if a school-age child is using cable or telecommunications for educational purposes.
New Mexico courts have a temporary eviction moratorium, so long as you are able to provide the court with evidence that you are unable to pay rent. The Governor of New Mexico extended the state eviction moratorium until February 5, 2021, but the federal eviction moratorium means New Mexico residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Although there are no statewide utility shut off protections, many providers have voluntarily suspended shutoffs.
The New York COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 extended the state eviction moratorium until May 1, 2021, over a month before the federal eviction moratorium which expires June 30, 2021. New York has banned utility shut offs due to nonpayment for the duration of the state of emergency plus 180 days.
Although North Carolina eviction protections expire on January 31, 2021, the federal eviction moratorium means North Carolina residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form. Utility providers were able to start enforcing nonpayment bans on Sep. 1, 2020.
Although North Dakota did not have statewide eviction protections, the North Dakota Supreme Court extended eviction hearings to 45 days after summons were issued. The federal eviction moratorium extension means North Dakota residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
There are no utility shut off bans, but the North Dakota Public Services Commission has provided financial assistance resources for residents.
Although Ohio did not have statewide eviction protections, the federal eviction moratorium extension means Ohio residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
However, the Ohio Supreme Court has allowed lower courts to continue with residential evictions. Ohio does not have utility shutoff protections, but the Winter Reconnect Order prevents gas shutoffs through April 15, 2021.
In Oklahoma, evictions can proceed but those filing for eviction must certify that the property is not covered under the CARES act. However, the federal eviction moratorium extension means Oklahoma residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Oklahoma does not have utility shutoff protections, but the Oklahoma Public Utility Division has encouraged residents to contact their utility provider regarding an adjusted COVID-19 payment plan.
Oregon legislators have recently extended the eviction ban through June 30, 2021, the same day as the federal eviction moratorium. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Although there are no statewide utility protections, some utility providers are voluntarily suspending disconnects.
Although the Pennsylvania eviction ban expired on Aug. 31, 2020, the federal eviction moratorium extension means Pennsylvania residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Utility shutoff bans expired on November 9, 2020, but utility providers must complete a list of steps before shutting off renter’s utilities.
Although the Rhode Island eviction ban expired on June 1, 2020, the federal eviction moratorium extension means Rhode Island residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Statewide utility shutoff bans expired on Nov. 1, 2020, but the winter moratorium on utility shut offs will be in effect until April 15, 2021.
In South Carolina, evictions can proceed but those filing for eviction must certify that the property is not covered under the CARES act. However, the federal eviction moratorium extension means South Carolina residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Statewide utility shut off bans expired on May 14, 2020.
In South Carolina, no statewide eviction protections have been put in place. However, the federal eviction moratorium extension means South Carolina residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
No statewide utility shut off bans have been put in place, but residents are encouraged to contact utility providers directly for financial assistance.
In Tennessee, no statewide eviction protections have been put in place. However, the federal eviction moratorium extension means Tennessee residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
The Tennessee Public Utility Commission's utility shutoff ban expired on August 10, 2020.
In Texas, statewide eviction protections expired on May 19, 2020. However, the federal eviction moratorium extension means Texas Residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has allowed utility disconnections for nonpayment as of October 1, 2020.
In Utah, no statewide eviction protections have been put in place. However, landlords are required to submit a COVID Eviction Declaration Form to the court in order to evict tenants. The federal eviction moratorium extension means Utah Residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
In Utah, low-income households may qualify for assistance with the Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program. Although no statewide utility protections are in place, the main utility provider for Utah, Rocky Mountain Power, has extended late fee deadlines and service disconnections if customers establish payment plans.
Vermont legislators have extended the state eviction ban until the end of the state of emergency plus 30 days. Additionally, the statewide utility protection is in place until May 31, 2021.
In Virginia, statewide eviction protections expired on December 31, 2020. However, the federal eviction moratorium extension means Virginia Residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Additionally, the statewide utility protection is in place until 60 days after the end of the state of emergency.
By Order of the Governor of Washington, residential evictions have been extended until March 31, 2021. However, the federal eviction moratorium extension means Washington residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form. Additionally, the statewide utility protection is in place until April 30, 2021.
In West Virginia, no statewide eviction hold was put in place. However, the federal eviction moratorium extension means West Virginia residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form. The Public Service Commission of West Virginia has allowed utility termination since July 1, 2020.
In Wisconsin, the temporary ban on eviction expired on May 26, 2020. However, the eviction moratorium extension means Wisconsin residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form. Additionally, the statewide utility protection is in place until April 15, 2021.
In Wyoming, no statewide eviction moratorium was put in place. However, the federal eviction moratorium extension means Wyoming residents are safe from eviction through June 30, 2021. Residents can stay in their homes until then so long as they fill out the proper declaration form.
Statewide utility protections have been suspended since March 26, 2020, allowing discontinuation of services and charging of late fees.
The CDC eviction ban is being consistently updated and altered, which can make it hard to know exactly where you stand. Find out answers to some common COVID-19 eviction-related questions below.
The current CDC eviction moratorium was extended until at least June 30, 2021 by the CDC.
Yes, you can rent an apartment after being evicted. While eviction isn’t an easy thing to deal with, it’s possible to find future apartments that accept evictions. You may not be able to explicitly search for property owners than accept evicted tenants, but you can look for landlords that don’t require a background check, since this is where your eviction is most likely to show up.
It’s illegal for landlords to physically evict you, but in some states, courts are allowing evictions when you’ve received an order to leave after the eviction case has taken place in court. It’s important to remember that an eviction notice is different from an actual eviction — a notice doesn’t mean you have to move out.
In order to qualify for the eviction moratorium, you must meet the following criteria:
The federal eviction moratorium is an unprecedented move to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep families in their homes. Depending on your state’s eviction laws and the state resources available, you may be able to get the extra time you need to get back on your feet during the pandemic.