A note from National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) President Doug Bibby regarding the congressional attempt to extend the federal eviction moratorium
In a last-minute, surprise move, Congress is considering legislation today to implement a federal eviction moratorium through the end of the year. The move comes after the Biden Administration said it did not have the legal authority to continue the CDC eviction moratorium without congressional action.
NMHC is strenuously opposing this effort. We led a coalition of 14 other organizations in sending a letter to lawmakers last night arguing that it is time to end emergency measures and to focus instead on accelerating the distribution of nearly $50 billion in federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds.
Continuing a one-size-fits-all, national moratorium will only further exacerbate renters’ financial hardship as they continue to accrue insurmountable levels of debt and undermines the urgency to distribute assistance funds.
This morning we issued a press release noting that an extension of the moratorium is untenable. An extension of the eviction moratorium jeopardizes the financial stability of housing providers and is not constructive in supporting the continued affordability and availability of housing.
The time is long-overdue for states and localities to remove unnecessary red tape and speed the deployment of emergency rental assistance benefits to those in need. This is the most effective way to address the underlying financial stress faced by America’s renters who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic.
The outcome of this legislative effort is unknown. The U.S. House of Representatives could take up the bill later today, but the legislation faces an uncertain path forward with Republicans and a number of Democrats raising objections to the effort. Should the House be able to clear the measure, its future in the Senate is even more uncertain, again with both Republicans and several Democrats raising concerns and procedural hurdles.
We fully understand the industry’s justified frustration with being asked to continue to shoulder the financial burden of creating housing stability during this crisis. We are also actively explaining to policymakers that not all residents are responding to your efforts to work with them to obtain rental assistance. The end of the eviction moratorium is absolutely critical to bring those non-communicative residents to the table.
We will continue to update you as this situation evolves.
Best,
— Doug Bibby, NMHC President
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