PHA Eviction Moratorium Extended Into 2021

PHA on July 30, 2020

Stability, Health of Residents Are Prime Concerns

(Philadelphia – July 30, 2020)– In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure continued housing stability for its residents, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) has implemented an eviction moratorium until March 15, 2021.

PHA wants to assure its 80,000 low-income residents, who have been disproportionately impacted by the virus, that their housing will not be a cause for concern during this period of health and economic uncertainty.

“The federal eviction moratorium expires this week.  Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has extended it to the end of August, while the Congress and the Trump Administration debate another extension.  I wanted to take bold action in this regard, to maintain housing stability for our residents,” said PHA President and CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah.

“The decision by PHA to extend the moratorium on evictions is compassionate, humane, and thoughtful at a time when the economy is depressed and many of our residents have lost their jobs and seen their incomes drastically reduced,” said Asia Coney, president of the Resident Advisory Board (RAB).

Jeremiah noted the moratorium has special conditions:

  • The moratorium will apply only to matters involving the nonpayment of rent and related fees;
  • It does not apply to eviction actions related to health and safety;
  • The moratorium does not treat nonpayment of rent and fees during this period as forgiven;
  • Individuals are still responsible for any rent or money owed under the terms of the lease agreement;
  • Residents who can pay their rent are strongly encouraged to do so in accordance with the terms of the lease agreement;
  • And residents who are unable to pay or who face a financial hardship should immediately apply for a PHA Hardship Waiver or request to enter into a payment plan.

Jeremiah said PHA has an important role to play in containing the virus and promoting health and wellbeing during the economic recovery. It has provided more than 22,000 free masks to residents and free meals throughout this health crisis.