The Covid-19 aid bill signed into law by President Donald Trump late Sunday extends the federal eviction prohibition to the end of January 2021, giving Americans who have fallen behind on rent payments until the aforesaid time before landlords could seek to remove tenants from apartments and homes. The bill also provides $25 billion in assistance to tenants who are in arrears on their rent.
Senator Novelle Francis on Dec. 16 called on Governor Albert Bryan to declare a rent moratorium in the Virgin Islands to ensure that residents will not be evicted from their homes, though Mr. Francis only sought an extension to February 6 — a week longer than the federal extension.
“While it is entirely possible that the CDC will extend the moratorium, I believe it is important for local government to take its own steps to reassure Virgin Islanders during this critical time," Mr. Francis said. "Our own shortage of emergency housing and other safety nets to support those at risk reinforces the need to implement a local eviction moratorium."
The Treasury Department is responsible for releasing the rental assistance funds to states and territories using a population-based formula. According to language found in the bill, landlords and building owners can apply on behalf of their tenants who meet eligibility requirements, which is generally measured by households with at least one person who has lost a job and can prove that they are at risk of losing their home, and persons making less than 80 percent of the median income in their area.
Advertisements
