Evictions Loom as Rental Assistance Gets Spent and Moratoriums Uncertain

With precious rental assistance money going fast, courtrooms reopening and moratoriums lifting, tenant advocates and local and state officials fear a coming surge of evictions as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the economy. 

“We’re facing a situation where there is no state moratorium, the federal moratorium has expired, and landlords covered by the federal moratorium will be able to start filing after the federal notice period is up on Aug. 24, and there will be no rent assistance funds to help,” said Heidi Wegleitner, a Dane County supervisor and attorney for Legal Action of Wisconsin.

The city and county are increasing efforts at diversion and rapid re-housing. Still, the greatest obstacle continues to be the lack of low-cost housing units, even when there are funds to support those seeking housing.

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