Posted and up-to-date on 3/29/2021
Is there a nationwide eviction ban?
The CDC has issued an order banning many, but not all, evictions. This ban has now been extended through June 30, 2021.
How do I know if I qualify?
You might qualify if the following is true for you:
- You are being evicted for non-payment of rent or other rental related fees.
- A loss of income or medical bills have made it hard to pay rent
- You got a Stimulus Check or make less than $99,000 a year as a single person or $198,000 as a family.
- You have applied for all available rental assistance, like Maine State Housing’s program
- You are willing to make partial payments that you can afford towards your rent, or you can offer to make partial payments towards your rent.
- If you were evicted you would be homeless, forced to live with others, or forced to live in unsafe housing
CDC Declaration Form: If I qualify, what should I do?
You must sign a form certifying that those things are true and give it to your landlord. You can find the form here. You can give this form to your landlord at anytime while you are still in your unit. You should give it to your landlord as soon as possible. You should try to have proof you gave it to your landlord. You should:
- Get a receipt from the post office when you mail it and
- Give a copy to the court if your landlord has started an eviction against you
You should call Pine Tree Legal Assistance for help with any questions or if your landlord continues to try to evict you.
What if those things aren’t true, can I be evicted?
Maybe or maybe not. You should call Pine Tree Legal Assistance for help. There are arguments that people who don’t meet those criteria are protected by the CDC’s order. There are also other special rules during COVID that might affect your ability to be evicted. People who are being evicted for no reason or “no cause” should also call Pine Tree to talk about their cases. There may be restrictions that apply.
What rental assistance programs should I apply for?
- General Assistance
- MSHA
- Cumberland County
- Lewiston
- Portland
- DHHS Emergency Assistance
- Preble Street Veterans Assistance
Will I still owe rent?
Yes. The CDC is not saying you don’t have to pay your rent or fees. Your landlord can try to collect the full amount of your rent or evict you after the CDC order expires on December 31st.
What kind of evictions are allowed?
The CDC order says that you can still be evicted for criminal activity, dangerous behaviors, damaging the property, or violating a term in your lease. But, you should call Pine Tree Legal Assistance. We may be able to help.
What happens if a landlord violates the CDC order?
The CDC order provides significant criminal penalties for landlords who are found to have violated the order including fines up to $250,000 and jail time.