The new Center for Disease Control eviction moratorium applies only to counties with a substantial level of community transmission of COVID-19. This includes Monroe County. However, when the moratorium ends, almost 100,000 Hoosiers are at risk of becoming homeless.
Brandon Beeler directs the Housing Law Center for Indiana Legal Services. He said a written notice from a landlord is not a court-ordered eviction.
Listen: Indiana Counties Protected By New CDC Eviction Moratorium
He advises renters who receive a landlord’s written notice to talk with them and try to resolve the situation.
“First and foremost we say try to communicate with your landlord to resolve whatever issue," Beeler said. "Second would be to try and contact legal aid.”
Beeler said it is important to stop landlords from filing evictions. Even if the situation is resolved, an eviction filing can harm people’s ability to find affordable housing in the future.
In the event of a court hearing, Beeler suggests tenants should not skip. Renters run the risk of a default eviction if they do not explain their circumstances to a judge.
To learn more about state rental assistance programs, visit www.indianahousingnow.org
