The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium is currently slated to end on Saturday, July 31, potentially affecting thousands of American renters behind on their rent – but not Minnesota renters.
With legislative action last month, Minnesota has broader and longer renter protections than the ending CDC eviction moratorium. Minnesota renters who are eligible for federal emergency rental assistance are protected from eviction for nonpayment of rent while an application for assistance is pending. This protection is in place until June 1, 2022 in order to provide time for the federal resources to be used to satisfy outstanding rent arrears.
At this time, only renters who have had a material violation of their lease or who are eligible for rental assistance but refuse to apply may be evicted. Minnesota renters who are not eligible for emergency rental assistance and who owe back rent are protected from eviction until September 12.
Both the federal and state eviction moratoriums were put in place to help people stay in their homes during the historic threat to the nation’s health due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want renters to understand that the end of the federal eviction moratorium does not affect Minnesotans. Minnesota has its own timeline,” said Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho. “We know many renters are hurting, and property owners are too. We encourage renters and property owners to go to RenthelpMN.org and work together to apply for emergency rental assistance. We have the funds to help pay back rent and three months of future rent.”
Renters can apply for rental assistance or learn more about the application process by visiting RentHelpMN.org or calling Greater Twin Cities United Way’s 211 Resource Helpline (Toll Free: 1.800.543.7709; Local: 651.291.0211). The 211 helpline has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions about RentHelpMN COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
