Senators Urge Trump Administration to Enforce Eviction Bans and Protect Renters

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senators from both sides of the aisle, led by New Jersey Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, are urging the Trump Administration to enforce bans on housing evictions for the duration of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The senators, who are joined by a group of 28 other senators, expressed deep concern over reports that some tenants have been unlawfully evicted from their homes, despite a temporary federal ban on evictions to protect renters in federally-assisted properties.

Key Takeaways:

  • An estimated 32 percent of renters were unable to make their full housing payment this month, highlighting the need for continued support and protection for renters.
  • Despite a temporary federal ban on evictions for renters in federally-subsidized housing, some tenants have still been unlawfully evicted during the pandemic.
  • The CARES Act created temporary protections from eviction for millions of tenants who live in properties with federally-backed mortgages or that receive certain types of federal housing assistance.
  • The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs has reported that, since April, communities in several states have allowed landlords to move forward with eviction proceedings, despite the mandated temporary protections for renters established under the CARES Act.
  • The senators are urging the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Agriculture, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency to use every tool at their disposal to protect renters and ensure that the CARES Act and other renter protections are enforced.
  • The senators are requesting that the agencies provide regular updates to Congress on actions they are taking to ensure that no tenant is wrongfully evicted.

Statistics:

  • 32 percent of renters were unable to make their full housing payment this month.
  • Since April, communities in several states have allowed landlords to move forward with eviction proceedings, despite the mandated temporary protections for renters established under the CARES Act.
  • Millions of tenants have been protected from eviction under the CARES Act, which created temporary protections from eviction for those living in properties with federally-backed mortgages or that receive certain types of federal housing assistance.

Sources:

  • Letter from Senators to Secretary Carson, Secretary Perdue, and Director Calabria dated [no date provided]
  • Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs oversight hearing mentioned in the letter
  • CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act)
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
  • New Jersey Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker's official releases