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Your Guide to Eviction Protection: What You Need to Know Right Now

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Your Guide to Eviction Protection: What You Need to Know Right Now

Your Guide to Eviction Protection: What You Need to Know Right Now

If you’re renting and worried about your housing situation due to financial hardship, you’re not alone. The good news? There are protections in place that might help you stay in your home. Let’s break down what you need to know about eviction moratoriums and how to take action to protect yourself.

Understanding Your Eviction Protections

Earlier this year, major eviction protections were put in place to help renters navigate financial hardship. While some of those initial protections have evolved, new safeguards have taken their place. The most important one to know about right now is a federal order that protects qualifying renters who’ve been impacted by COVID-19—as long as you submit the proper documentation.

The key difference with current protections? They’re more expansive than before. Where previous protections only covered about a quarter of rental units, today’s protections apply to nearly every rental property. But here’s the catch: you have to actively qualify and submit paperwork to get protected.

How to Qualify for Protection

To get eviction protection, you’ll need to certify that you meet certain criteria by signing an affidavit (a formal declaration) and submitting it to your landlord or property owner. This is your responsibility—don’t wait for your landlord to ask.

What You Need to Certify

By submitting your affidavit, you’re confirming under penalty of perjury that:

  • You’ve tried to get help. You’ve made genuine efforts to find all available government assistance for rent or housing.

  • Your income qualifies. Your annual income is below $99,000 (or $198,000 if filing jointly), you weren’t required to report income in 2019, or you received a stimulus payment.

  • You can’t pay due to hardship. You’re unable to pay full rent because of lost income, reduced work hours, layoffs, or unexpected medical expenses.

  • You’re making partial payments when possible. You’re doing your best to make whatever payments you can, while still covering essential expenses.

  • You’d be in serious housing trouble if evicted. Without protection, you’d likely become homeless, move into a shelter, or have to share close quarters with others due to lack of options.

  • You understand your ongoing obligations. You know you still owe the rent, and fees or penalties might still apply. You also understand that after protections expire, your landlord can demand full back payment.

Taking Action: Next Steps

The most important thing? Make sure you actually qualify under these criteria—meaning those statements above are genuinely true for you. Then get your affidavit submitted to your landlord right away.

You don’t need to use an official government form (though templates are available), but your declaration needs to be clear and cover the key points. The goal is to get your protection in place before any eviction action starts.

Moving Forward With Your Housing Costs

Remember, these protections are temporary. Even if you’re protected right now, you’re still responsible for your rent long-term. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Document your situation. Keep records of your income loss and any assistance you’ve applied for.

  • Communicate with your landlord. If you can’t pay full rent, discuss a payment plan. Many landlords prefer working with tenants to getting caught in lengthy eviction processes.

  • Explore additional assistance. Government rental assistance programs exist in many areas. Research what’s available where you live.

  • Make partial payments when possible. Even small payments show good faith and reduce the total you’ll owe later.

  • Plan ahead. As protections expire, think about how you’ll catch up on missed rent or adjust your budget to get back on track.

The Bottom Line

Eviction protections exist to give you breathing room during genuine hardship—but they’re not a permanent solution. Your best move? Get protected if you qualify, communicate openly with your landlord, and start planning now for how you’ll stabilize your housing costs. With the right strategy and support, you can navigate this challenging period and move toward a more secure financial future.