COVID-19 Renters rights
Eviction moratorium status
Everyone’s life has been affected in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic, and renters are near the top of that list. COVID-10 rent relief is in critical need. Congress just passed a year-end spending bill that includes direct payment stimulus checks for most Americans, additional unemployment benefits, and $25 billion of rental assistance — and an extension of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium order to January 31, 2021.
As we all wait for the details, many states and counties have taken steps in the interim such as placing moratoriums on evictions, late fees, and shutting off utilities. The table below attempts to capture the latest information for renter protections state-by-state. This information changes often, so please also click on the link for rent relief by your state, and/or contact the legal aid organization in your area. In addition, the National Apartment Association (NAA) advises that any tenants who have suffered hardships related to COVID-19 should reach out to their landlords to discuss their situation. Your landlord may have additional policies in place or be willing to reduce/forgive/delay rent beyond federal, state, and local regulations.
Rent relief by state for all 50 states
| Alabama | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: The Governor’s rent moratorium order expired on 6/1/20. For additional resources, check out AlabamaLegalHelp.org. |
| Alaska | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Alaska State Legislature bill for rent moratorium expired 6/30/20. Check out Alaska’s COVID-19 page for the latest information. |
| Arizona | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: The Governor’s rent moratorium order expired on 10/3/20. See the Arizona Department of Housing Eviction Prevention program here. |
| Arkansas | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: Yes, Arkansas did order a utility shutoff moratorium for the duration of the crisis. COVID-19 rent relief status: Public housing residents in Little Rock will not be evicted during the coronavirus outbreak. Governor Asa Hutchinson claims the Arkansas Community Foundation received pandemic relief grants in order to assist struggling residents and suggests seeking out federal assistance from the CARES Act. You can get more information on Arkansas’ response on the state website. |
| California | Hold on evictions: Yes, until 2/1/21 Hold on utility shutoffs: Yes, until 4/16/21 COVID-19 rent relief status: Government order extended into 2021, varies by city. See California COVID-19 Housing Information for specifics by city and California Public Utilities Commission information for utility shutoff moratorium details. |
| Colorado | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Supports only CDC eviction order through December 31, 2020. Check out the Colorado state website. Fortunately, monetary relief is available to renters. This money can be used for short-term rental assistance for low-income people who are economically impacted by COVID-19. |
| Connecticut | Hold on evictions: Yes, 1/1/21 Hold on utility shutoffs: No, but from November 1 through May 1, the statutory Winter Protection Plan protects against service termination for financial hardship. COVID-19 rent relief status: Supported by Governor order. To learn more, visit the CT state website. |
| Delaware | Hold on evictions: Yes, until 12/25/20 Hold on utility shutoffs: No, but Delaware residents may be eligible for up to $1,500 in assistance for rent or electrical bills. COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor’s order expires 12/25/20. Landlords may begin eviction proceedings according to a Answers to FAQs and additional resources can be found at the Delaware State Housing Authority. |
| District of Columbia | Hold on evictions: Yes, until after 60 days emergency Hold on utility shutoffs: Yes COVID-19 rent relief status: Mayor’s order extends through December 31, 2020 and the D.C. Council voted to allow the major to extend the emergency through 3/31/20. See the DC Public Service Commission has more information. |
| Florida | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No, though most utility providers have announced that they won’t shut off your services for non-payment during the COVID-19 crisis. COVID-19 rent relief status: Eviction moratorium expired 10/1/20 You can also visit the Florida state website for more information. You can contact your local SHIP office for funding assistance. |
| Georgia | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Local courts have discretion if evictions can proceed. See details here. Check the State of Georgia Public Service Commission’s website for a list of GA services that have suspended disconnections due to COVID. |
| Hawaii | Hold on evictions: Yes, until 2/14/21 Hold on utility shutoffs: Yes, until 12/31/21 COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor’s order expires 2/14/21 Learn more about Hawaii’s response to the pandemic on the state’s website. Answers to FAQs and additional resources can be found here. |
| Idaho | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Idaho Supreme Court order expired 5/1/20. Additional information can be found here. |
| Illinois | Hold on evictions: Yes, until 1/9/21 Hold on utility shutoffs: Yes, most included through 3/31/21 COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor’s order expires 1/9/21. More information and applications for rental housing support can be found via the Illinois Housing Development Authority. For utility assistance see here. |
| Indiana | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: The state of emergency terminated July 31, 2020. For assistance, see Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and their COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program. |
| Iowa | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor order expired 9/10/20, however, $1 million of rental assistance was announced 11/5/20. For rental assistance information see iowahousingrecovery.com |
| Kansas | Hold on evictions: Yes, until 1/26/21 Hold on utility shutoffs: No, but they are required to offer a payment plan Relief status: Governor order bans evictions through 1/26/21 For recent assistance, visit kshousingcorp.org and the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program, (KEPP). |
| Kentucky | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor eviction moratorium order expired 8/25/20 and the 9/4/20 update was brought in line with the CDC eviction moratorium. To learn more about utility protection programs, see here. For more information per the Kentucky Legal Aid, click here. |
| Louisiana | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Rent relief status: Expired Visit Louisiana Law Help for COVID-19 rent assistance information. For utility help, visit here. |
| Maine | Hold on evictions: No, they can occur under extended time frames Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Executive Order lasts until 30 days after the end of the state of emergency. Furthermore, utilities may not shut off service, and Maine has created a rent relief program. |
| Maryland | Hold on evictions: Yes, until end of state of emergency Hold on utility shutoffs: No, expired 11/15/20. COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor executive order suspending evictions to residential, industrial, and commercial properties until the end of the emergency. For assistance, visit here. |
| Massachusetts | Hold on evictions: No, but Boston extended ban through 12/31/20 Hold on utility shutoffs: No, expired COVID-19 rent relief status: Legislative ban expired 10/17/20 More information can be found here. See here for info on the Boston Relief fund. |
| Michigan | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Executive Order expired 7/15/20. See Michigan’s Eviction Diversion Program for assistance or Michigan Legal Help here. |
| Minnesota | Hold on evictions: Yes, until 1/13/21 Hold on utility shutoffs: Depends, see below. COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor’s order certain types of evictions through 1/13/21. See Housing Support in the state of Minnesota for more information. For consumer utility protections during the COVID-19 emergency, visit here. |
| Mississippi | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor order was lifted on June 1, 2020 For additional resources including Mississpi’s Coronavirus Hotline, visit here. |
| Missouri | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: The Supreme Court emergency statewide order expired 4/18/20 and follow on county extensions 6/1/20. For Missouri’s recent assistance programs visit here. |
| Montana | Hold on evictions: Limited Hold on utility shutoffs: No Rent relief status: Governor order expired 5/24/20. For rent relief assistance, see Montana Coronavirus Relief Program. |
| Nebraska | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: Limited COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor order expired 5/31/20. For additional information and help contact Legal Aid of Nebraska. For information on your utility company, visit here. |
| Nevada | A number of states have stepped up to make sure renters can stay in their homes even if they’re struggling to make rent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Steve Sisolak issued an executive order suspending residential and commercial foreclosure actions and evictions until May 31, 2020. The Nevada County Board of Supervisors extended recently extended residential eviction moratorium until July 31.It is important to know that the suspension does not relieve the tenants from their obligations to pay their rent.Note: You may be able to forego paying rent and not be forced out of your home right now but it doesn’t mean you’re clear of future legal claims against past due rent. For additional resources regarding how Nevada is handling the current pandemic with respect to housing, learn more. |
| New Hampshire | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No, expired. COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor Executive Order expired 6/30/30. For rent relief support, see New Hampshire’s Housing Relief Program. For additional resources regarding how New Hampshire is handling the current pandemic with respect to housing, learn more. |
| New Jersey | Hold on evictions: Yes, until end of emergency + 2 months Hold on utility shutoffs: Yes, through 3/15/21 mostly COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor Executive Order No. 103 stops evictions until the order is no longer in effect. In addition, renters can use their security deposit toward rent due during or up to 60 days after the public health emergency. For additional resources regarding how New Jersey is handling the current pandemic with respect to housing, learn more. |
| New Mexico | Hold on evictions: Yes Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: The New Mexico courts have placed a temporary eviction moratorium order in place until 12/11/20 or until rescinded by the governor. See New Mexico’s Supreme Court FAQ sheet for details and check with your local utility provider for possible shutoff suspensions. Additional resources are here. |
| New York | Hold on evictions: Yes, until 1/1/21 Hold on utility shutoffs: Yes, during state of emergency + 180 days COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor order on moratorium evictions expires 1/1/21. The security deposit may be used to cover unpaid rent, collecting late fees and repaying unpaid rent. For additional resources and FAQs about your status as a renter in New York, read here. |
| North Carolina | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: The Governor issued an executive order stating the CDC’s ban through 12/31/20 applies, but with specific rules for implementation. For rent assistance resources, visit the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and for free legal support, visit here. |
| North Dakota | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Rent relief status: The New Dakota Supreme Court eviction ban order expired 4/22/20. For rent relief support, visit North Dakota COVID-19 Community and Nonprofit Response Fund, for general FAQ questions here, and for information on support for utilities see here. |
| Ohio | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Ohio Supreme Court order eviction ban expired 9/4/2020. For Ohio state rent relief support information visit here. |
| Oklahoma | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Expired with Cares Act. Go here to find out more: Oklahoma’s COVID-19 resources and assistance website. |
| Oregon | Hold on evictions: Yes, until 12/31/2020 Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor Executive order eviction ban expires 12/31/2020. Multnomah County commissioners voted to extend the ban on evictions until 7/2/2021. Read here for Oregon’s Eviction Moratorium FAQ. For Multnomah County rent assistance, visit here. List of public utility companies suspending disconnects. |
| Pennsylvania | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No, expired. COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor Executive order expired on 8/31/20. Visit here for more financial resources for renters. |
| Rhode Island | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No, expired. Winter moratorium in place through 4/15/21. COVID-19 rent relief status: Supreme court eviction ban order expired 5/31/20. For general support rent relief information, read here. Also visit RIhousing.org and Safe Harbor Housing. |
| South Carolina | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Supreme Court order expired on May 15, 2020 For the South Carolina COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program, visit here. |
| South Dakota | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Rent relief status: No order. For South Dakota rental assistance visit here and here. Utility related resources can be found at South Dakota PUC website. |
| Tennessee | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Supreme Court moratorium order expired 5/21/20. For additional resources regarding how Tennessee is handling the current pandemic with respect to housing, learn more. |
| Texas | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Supreme Court of Texas Emergency order expired 5/19/20. See Texas Home Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program for support and here. Click here to learn about assistance from TXU Energy. |
| Utah | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor order expired 5/15/20. Click here if you are having trouble paying your rent due to Covid. Additional resources here. |
| Vermont | Hold on evictions: Yes: Until the end of emergency (1/14/21) plus 30 days Hold on utility shutoffs: No, expired COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor amended Executive Order extending State of Emergency ban to 1/15/21. Visit the Agency of Commerce and Community for useful information and resources in Vermont. For more details on eviction moratorium see here. |
| Virginia | Hold on evictions: Yes: through 12/31/20 Hold on utility shutoffs: Yes: until at least 60 days after the end of the state of emergency Rent relief status: Governor Ralph Northam extended Virginia’s ban on evictions through 12/31/2020 in HB5005. Virginia’s Legal Aid provides FAQs on renting during Covid and eviction information here and Virginia’s Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP). |
| Washington | Hold on evictions: Yes until 12/31/2020 – Seattle extended through 3/31/2021 order by the mayor. Hold on utility shutoffs: Yes, 4/30/2021 COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor order for eviction moratorium through 12/31/2020. utility moratorium extended until 4/30/2021. COVID-19 resources and information for renters can be found here. |
| West Virginia | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No COVID-19 rent relief status: WV Judicial State of Emergency expired 5/15/2020. For rent help resources, visit Legal Aid of West Virginia |
| Wisconsin | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: Yes: until 4/15/2021 COVID-19 rent relief status: Wisconsin’s evictions protection has expired, as of 5/26/2020. For additional resources on tenant FAQs and Covid in Wisconsin click here, learn more. |
| Wyoming | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Rent relief status: Wyoming’s Supreme Court order expired 5/31/20. For additional state, county, and city orders due to COVID-19, read here. |
Your renters rights, in your state.
Explore what you need to know.
- Alabama Renters Rights
- Alaska Renters Rights
- Arizona Renters Rights
- Arkansas Renters Rights
- California Renters Rights
- Colorado Renters Rights
- Connecticut Renters Rights
- Delaware Renters Rights
- Florida Renters Rights
- Georgia Renters Rights
- Hawaii Renters Rights
- Idaho Renters Rights
- Illinois Renters Rights
- Indiana Renters Rights
- Iowa Renters Rights
- Kansas Renters Rights
- Kentucky Renters Rights
- Louisiana Renters Rights
- Maine Renters Rights
- Maryland Renters Rights
- Massachusetts Renters Rights
- Michigan Renters Rights
- Minnesota Renters Rights
- Mississippi Renters Rights
- Missouri Renters Rights
- Montana Renters Rights
- Nebraska Renters Rights
- Nevada Renters Rights
- New Hampshire Renters Rights
- New Jersey Renters Rights
- New Mexico Renters Rights
- New York Renters Rights
- North Carolina Renters Rights
- North Dakota Renters Rights
- Ohio Renters Rights
- Oklahoma Renters Rights
- Oregon Renters Rights
- Pennsylvania Renters Rights
- Rhode Island Renters Rights
- South Carolina Renters Rights
- South Dakota Renters Rights
- Tennessee Renters Rights
- Texas Renters Rights
- Utah Renters Rights
- Vermont Renters Rights
- Virginia Renters Rights
- Washington Renters Rights
- West Virginia Renters Rights
- Wisconsin Renters Rights
- Wyoming Renters Rights
- Washington, D.C. Renters Rights
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You probably already know that we’re not a law firm, but just to make sure we get this out of the way: We can’t provide any advice or opinions about possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms, or strategies. And by hanging out with us here at Roost, you agree to our Legal disclaimer.
Last Updated: January 15th, 2021