Eviction Fears Rise in Indiana
Hundreds of Allen County renters are facing losing their homes after a state moratorium on evictions was lifted.
The suspension on removing tenants was part of an executive order from Gov. Eric Holcomb in May, near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It expired at midnight Aug. 14, leaving thousands of tenants across the state in limbo.
It's difficult to determine exactly how many evictions are moving through local courts because filings are included among thousands of other small-claims cases. It's clear the number is swelling, though, and Allen Superior Court officials estimate 600 eviction cases are pending.
Court Clerk Chris Nancarrow said Thursday 234 new cases had been filed – the first, at 12:04 a.m. Saturday – since the order was lifted. The court saw about 80 eviction filings per week before the coronavirus pandemic, he said.
Government agencies and groups including legal and charitable organizations are now working to help as the number of renters facing eviction continues to rise.