On August 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a new 60-day eviction moratorium order that is limited to areas in the United States with "substantial or high rate” of COVID-19 transmissions. This new order goes into effect just after the previous eviction moratorium expired on July 31.
As of August 3, available data indicates that the new eviction moratorium covers 80% of the counties in the United States because they are deemed to have high or substantial levels of COVID-related infection (based on the technical definition provided in the CDC order). The order covers roughly 90% of the nation’s population.
Fannie Mae expects that Borrowers will comply with all applicable laws, including eviction protections. Further, we recommend that Borrowers and Lenders:
- review the order to understand its complexities;
- monitor the CDC website;
- and work with counsel to further understand the order, applicable statutes, and how they apply.
Borrowers are further encouraged to pursue and exhaust all lines of available Emergency Rental Assistance. To facilitate access to Emergency Rental Assistance resources, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has developed new tools to help renters and landlords. This resource can help Borrowers as they seek to understand the rules and resources available in their jurisdiction.
The CFPB’s lookup tool, the Rental Assistance Finder, provides links to local programs offering assistance for both renters and landlords. This site also includes information to help renters and landlords navigate any financial hardships that they may be facing related to the pandemic.
As always, we expect that Lenders will work with their counsel to comply with these laws and respond to any reports of potential non-compliance.
Our Renters Resource webpage provides options for relief, information on our Renters Resource Finder tool, and access to Disaster Response Network counselors who can guide renters toward even more resources.
We will continue to share information as it is made available.
Resources for Lenders and Borrowers
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
White House Statement
HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office (FHEO)
Resources for Borrowers and Renters
CFPB Rental Assistance Finder
Know Your Options