ToplineExperts warn that the nationwide ban on evictions, which was in effect for the majority of the Covid-19 pandemic, has expired. This led to experts warning of widespread displacement of low income renters that could have disproportionately adverse effects on the South.Maricopa County Constable Darlene Martinez helps a family move out of their apartment in Phoenix after they have served an... [+] eviction notice for non-payment on September 30, 2020. Getty ImagesThe Key FactsThe U.S. Census Bureau conducted a survey of renters and found that 12 million were behind in their rent payments as of July 1. While the trend was widespread, the South had the highest proportion of those who lacked rent. The nation's most behind-paying state was Mississippi, which had 29% (157,000) of the renters. South Carolina, at 28% (2655,000), and Georgia, at 24% (5633,000) were close behind. According to an independent analysis by Surgeon Ventures (a Washington, D.C.-based non profit), South Carolina had six counties with the most renters left. This included Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell as well as Colleton, Hampton, Hampton, and Orangeburg counties. According to Census Bureau data, at least four states are behind in rent payments: Connecticut (21%), New York (21%), Indiana (20%) and West Virginia (20%). California, New York, and Texas all had more than a million renters who reported falling behind in payments. However, the state-wide moratoriums for the two latter states are in place to last until the fall.Surprising FactSouthern renters are also at risk due to the landlord-friendly laws in certain parts of the South. Mississippi has some of the most severe eviction laws in the country. Tenants can be expelled from their homes as soon as they lose their case in court. If the tenant is more than one day late on rent, an eviction order is almost automatic.What to WatchAs Census Bureau data shows, renters of color are more likely to be affected by evictions. For example, 24 percent of Black renters reported that their household was not paying rent. 18% of Latino renters and 18% of Asian renters reported that they weren't paying rent. This compares to just 11 percent for white renters. A study published last month found that the risk of being evicted is higher in areas with low levels Covid-19 vaccination.ContraWhile some renters might be covered by a mix of local protections, the majority of those that were in place during the pandemic are now expired. On Sunday, a judge in DeKalb County (Atlanta) ordered a two month-long ban on evictions in the Atlanta area. The judge stated that 145 writs for eviction were already scheduled to be executed in DeKalb County, Atlanta, and that approximately 1,650 mre were still pending with the local marshals.Important BackgroundThe CDC ordered a federal eviction moratorium last year in an effort to prevent mass evictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Individuals earning $99,000 per year or less and couples filing jointly who earn $198,000 per year or less were protected by the federal eviction moratorium. Although the moratorium was praised by housing advocates it was also criticized by large landlord trade groups who claimed they were facing mounting debts and other costs. The matter also faced multiple legal challenges. After data from the Treasury Department revealed that only $3 billion of the $46 billion in federal renters assistance approved by Congress was distributed by local and state officials, the Democrats pressured the Biden administration to extend the ban. Faced with this slow rollout, and the growing threat from the delta variant, President Biden called on Congress just days before the ban was due to expire to pass an emergency extension. He claimed that his administration could not do it because of a recent Supreme Court decision. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.Calif.), has since clapped back and called on the White House for the extension, despite Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's suggestion that it would be an overstep federally.Chief CriticIn a joint statement, Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hopyer (D.Md.), it was clear that the Senate is unable to [extend] the ban, and any legislation in Congress will not suffice, Pelosi stated. ), Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., and Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark, D-Mass. issued Sunday night. The administration must take immediate action.Continue readingBiden Asks Congress To Extend CDC Eviction Moratorium In 11th Hour Pivot (Forbes)Biden Administration under fire for delaying rental aid with just 6.5% distributed as End of Eviction Moratorium Looms. (Forbes).Supreme Court Keeps National Eviction Moratorium in Place for Now (Forbes).The Eviction Lab has found that the lowest levels of COVID-19 vaccination (the Eviction Lab) are found in neighborhoods with high eviction filing rates.
