ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (KMOX) - The St. Louis County Circuit Court announced it will begin to gradually resume evictions this week on the more than 500 pending orders that have been on hold over the past year due to the pandemic.
This week, the court says the Sheriff's Office will only execute evictions in cases involving drug-related or other criminal activity and on commercial properties. The cases have been on hold for about a year based on recommendations the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services.
All pending evictions in St. Louis County may be executed on April 5, the release states.
“In meeting regularly with attorneys for tenants as well as landlords for the past several months, it is clear that everyone has been facing serious financial challenges throughout the pandemic,” said St. Louis County Presiding Judge Michael D. Burton. “Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Federal funding is available to help tenants catch up on back rent and utility bills, and help landlords recoup their losses. As more of our employees and members of the public have the opportunity to be vaccinated, we continue to follow the best advice of health care experts so that all court functions – including evictions – can be carried out safely.”
Judge Burton ordered, starting on Wednesday, landlords who wish to evict their tenants because of nonpayment must complete affidavits when filing their petitions that indicate that they have not sought and are not seeking financial assistance from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) or the State Assistance for Housing Relief Program (SAFHR).
Starting in April, approximately $30 million will become available nationwide to landlords to pay for rent through ERAP and SAFHR.
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