When your financial situation shifts unexpectedly, your housing stability becomes top priority. If you’re a renter who’s been impacted by economic hardship, there are protections in place that you should know about. Let’s break down what these protections mean for you and how to take action if you qualify.
Understanding Eviction Moratoriums and Your Rights
Eviction moratoriums are legal protections that temporarily prevent landlords from evicting tenants who meet certain criteria. These protections have evolved over time, with different rules applying depending on when they were enacted. The key thing to understand is that you’re not locked out of your obligations—these protections buy you time while you work toward catching up on payments.
The CDC Order: What Changed
A major shift happened when the CDC published an order protecting “covered persons” impacted by COVID-19. Unlike earlier protections that only applied to about a quarter of rental units, this order extends to virtually every rental property. But here’s the catch: you need to actively declare that you qualify.
How to Qualify as a “Covered Person”
To get protection under the CDC order, you’ll need to submit a formal affidavit (declaration) to your landlord. Don’t worry—this is a straightforward process, and you’re certifying that these statements are true:
- You’ve done your homework: You’ve made genuine efforts to find available government assistance for rent or housing.
- Your income qualifies: You expect to earn no more than $99,000 annually (or $198,000 if filing jointly), didn’t report income in 2019, or received a stimulus check.
- You’ve experienced real hardship: You can’t pay full rent due to income loss, reduced work hours, layoffs, or unexpected medical expenses.
- You’re meeting them halfway: You’re making partial payments that are as close to full as your situation allows, after accounting for other essential expenses.
- Housing is at stake: Without this protection, you’d likely become homeless or need to move into a crowded shared living situation.
- You understand the terms: You know that rent still needs to be paid eventually, and late fees or penalties might accumulate.
You can use the CDC’s official model form, but it’s not your only option—other organizations have published templates too. The most important thing is that your declaration is honest and that you actually submit it to your landlord.
What Happens After the Moratorium Ends
Here’s what’s critical to understand: the moratorium isn’t debt forgiveness. It’s a pause. Once the protection expires, your landlord can require full payment of all missed rent. This is where your strategy matters most.
Creating Your Rent Payment Plan
While you’re protected, this is your window to:
- Stabilize your income: Focus on securing consistent earnings or finding additional income streams.
- Explore assistance programs: Government rental assistance, nonprofit programs, and community resources may still be available to you.
- Communicate with your landlord: Many landlords would rather work out a payment plan than go through eviction. Be honest about your timeline.
- Budget strategically: Use Piere’s automation tools to ensure that as your income stabilizes, rent gets prioritized in your payments.
Taking Action
If you believe you qualify for protection:
- Gather documentation proving your circumstances (income loss, medical expenses, etc.)
- Complete the declaration form honestly and thoroughly
- Submit it to your landlord, property owner, or whoever manages evictions for your residence
- Keep a copy for your records
Your Financial Future Starts Now
Economic hardship is temporary, but the decisions you make during it shape your financial stability. Use moratorium protections as the breathing room they are—not as a permanent solution, but as time to rebuild. Whether it’s automating your savings once things stabilize or setting up a debt payoff plan, your next move matters.
You’ve got this. Let your money move you forward.