PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With the federal eviction moratorium expiring this weekend, state and local officials are pleading with people who are behind on their rent to apply for assistance that will keep them in their homes.
The eviction moratorium has been extended several times throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but it will end on Saturday.
A recent survey found thousands of households in the region are behind on rent, including one in five Philadelphia renters. Even in Bucks, Montgomery and Chester Counties, 13% of renters are in arrears. Delaware County has 17% falling behind.
Acting Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Meg Snead said plenty of help is available.
Related
"There are $847 million available right now for the emergency rental assistance program in Pennsylvania," said Snead.
"We anticipate another $450 million from the American Rescue Plan. That’s north of a billion dollars, so please don’t wait. There’s enough money that eviction should be absolutely be a last resort."
Philadelphia alone has already provided 13,000 payments for rent and utility assistance, totaling $122 million.
Since the moratorium was first imposed last year, thousands of people in Southeastern Pennsylvania have fallen behind on rent, owing landlords an average of $3,000 to $4,000.
Once the moratorium expires, landlords can start or resume eviction proceedings against them.
That’s why officials say it’s urgent that renters in arrears apply for rental assistance.
State Senator Art Haywood (D-Philadelphia and Montgomery County) also warned that some landlords may try to evict people illegally, the minute the moratorium expires.
"Now, you can only be locked out with a court order, and I have heard that some landlords are locking people out without a court order. A court order is required," said Haywood.
Philadelphia also has an eviction diversion program that requires landlords to attend mediation and apply for rental assistance before they can evict.
Click the links by county for information on rental assistance:
Philadelphia: City of Philadelphia's Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Bucks: Emergency Rental Assistance (BERA)
Chester: Chester County Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Program
Delaware: Delaware County Emergency Rental Assistance
Montgomery: Your Way Home Montgomery County