HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Governor Tom Wolf has extended a statewide moratorium, which had been set to lapse Friday, on foreclosures and evictions until August 31, saying renters need more breathing room in the midst of the pandemic.
Landlords have been fighting against the moratorium, saying they are unable to keep up with taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance and mortgage payments without the ability to enforce lease agreements.
The PA Supreme Court has not yet ruled in their lawsuit.
Wolf’s ban on foreclosures and evictions does not cover a tenant who damages property, breaks the law or breaches the lease in some other way aside form nonpayment of rent or overstaying a lease.
“I am taking this action to help families know they will have a roof over their heads and a place to live while all of us fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Wolf. “It takes one more burden off of people who are struggling and ensures that families can remain in their homes so they can protect their health and wellbeing.”
Wolf signed legislation in May providing $150 million for rental assistance and $25 million for mortgage assistance with CARES Act funds.
Acceptance of those applications began July 6.
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