WATCH CDC Guidance For Tenants Behind On Rent

Press release from WATCH CDC:

Dec. 21, 2020

On Sunday Dec. 20, Congress announced a new COVID-relief deal. While many people are focused on the $600 subsidy for individuals, there is another very important part of the package. The national eviction moratorium which was scheduled to end on Dec. 31, 2020 has been extended one month to January 31, 2021.

Tenants are not automatically covered by the moratorium. If a tenant is behind on their rent, they must fill out a declaration form and give it to their landlord. The form states that the person is behind on their rent, is making every effort to make payments, has applied for rental assistance, and would be homeless if they were to be evicted. Copies of this declaration form are available on line at watchcdc.org and at the Waltham public library and WATCH CDC office at 24 Crescent Street, Suite 201, Waltham.

The eviction moratorium does not excuse tenants from paying rent. It does give tenants more time to catch up or apply for rental assistance. Tenants who are behind on their rent, should apply now for rental assistance. For information about how WATCH can help you apply for rental assistance as well as information about the City’s rental assistance program for those facing eviction, please visit the WATCH website at https://watchcdc.org/rental-assistance-available-to-waltham-residents/

This press release was produced by WATCH CDC. The views expressed here are the author's own.