National Fair Housing Alliance Issues Statement In Advance of Extension of Federal Eviction Moratorium

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 3, 2021

Media Contact: Izzy Woodruff | 202-898-1661 | IWoodruff@nationalfairhousing.org

 National Fair Housing Alliance Issues Statement In Advance of Extension of Federal Eviction Moratorium

Washington, D.C. — With millions of people facing eviction and homelessness, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA,) and a broad coalition of advocates worked around the clock to put protections in place to help stave off the pending housing crisis. Lisa Rice, NFHA’s President and CEO, issued the following statement: 

“While we are pleased that today the White House announced a limited moratorium on evictions in counties with high rates of COVID-19 transmission, covering about 90 percent of renters through October 3, 2021, we cannot lose sight of the fact that too many people remain in jeopardy. 

“Our work is far from over and no family should be forced out of their home. As the Delta variant continues to endanger tens of millions of renters and homeowners, we are reminded that there are currently 6.5 million households across the country that are behind on rent, and although Congress recently allocated $46.6 billion in rental assistance, only a fraction of those funds have reached the families who need it. State and local governments must do everything possible to distribute funds to help struggling renters get back on track and rapidly rehouse those who have already been evicted. Those states and local governments that have failed to distribute rental assistance must be held to account as any disruption in the housing sector will be felt throughout the whole economy. 

“NFHA would like to express its profound gratitude to Chairwoman Waters, Congresswoman Cori Bush and all the other Congressmembers, organizers, and advocates who helped shine a light on this important issue. We look forward to continuing to work with the White House and Congressional leaders toward a long-term solution that recognizes housing as the foundation of healthy communities and a thriving society.” 

In the coming days and weeks, NFHA will work with advocates, federal partners, and the White House to push for additional protections that: 

• Extend the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) federal moratorium on evictions until December 31, 2021. 
• Require the departments of Agriculture, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, and the Federal Housing Administration to extend the moratorium on evictions for properties owned or assisted by these agencies to December 31, 2021, as well as encourage the Federal Housing Finance Agency to take similar action regarding foreclosed properties owned by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and other federally backed properties.
• Remove barriers in the Treasury Department’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) by creating a safe harbor provision for ERA programs that reasonably interpret federal guidance.
• Provide direct assistance to states who are experiencing challenges standing up their ERA programs.
• Require federal agencies to instruct servicers of their single family loans to follow the CFPB’s RESPA 2021 Mortgage Servicing COVID-19 Rule immediately, prohibiting servicers from making a first notice or filing for foreclosure on most loans until December 31, 2021. 

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The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) is the country’s only national civil rights organization dedicated solely to eliminating all forms of housing and lending discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all people. Through its homeownership, credit access, tech equity, education, member services, public policy, community development, and enforcement initiatives, NFHA works to dismantle longstanding barriers to equity and build diverse, inclusive, well-resourced communities.