Washington, D.C. – The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) strongly opposes the CDC’s latest announcement to reimpose a federal eviction moratorium. This action is a complete reversal of the Administration’s stated course announced just last week, including the perceived constitutional barriers to a CDC moratorium.
This move does nothing to speed the delivery of real solutions for America’s renters and ignores the unsustainable and unfair economic burden placed on millions of housing providers— jeopardizing their financial stability and threatening the loss of affordable housing stock nationwide.
The $4 trillion in economic relief provided by the federal government, including expanded unemployment benefits, stimulus payments and support for American businesses has stabilized the economy and allowed much of the country to resume normal economic activity. And where the recovery has been slower and for those renters who continue to face financial struggles, the industry continues to work with residents through payment plans, deferred payments or other solutions.
At the onset of the pandemic, NMHC urged Congress to create a federal rental assistance program. Congress finally heard our calls and late last year enacted the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Seven months after states received the first tranche of $25 billion of the nearly $47 billion appropriated, only $3 billion has been distributed as of June 30 according to Treasury data.
It is unacceptable that some localities continue to delay distribution of benefits, and it is unacceptable to continue to ask housing providers to carry the financial burden of this pandemic.
For nearly 18 months, apartment firms have stepped up to help their residents facing financial struggles through payment plans, deferred payments or other solutions. They continue to do so now, redirecting staff, and hiring new staff, to reach out to residents and to help them apply for assistance.
NMHC remains committed to ensuring residents remain stably housed. It is time for Congress, the Administration and the states to remove red tape and expedite the distribution of emergency rental assistance. Resources for renters are available here and housing providers here.
Based in Washington, D.C., the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) is the leadership of the apartment industry. We bring together the prominent owners, managers and developers who help create thriving communities by providing apartment homes for 40 million Americans, contributing $3.4 trillion annually to the economy. NMHC provides a forum for insight, advocacy and action that enables both members and the communities they help build to thrive. For more information, contact NMHC at 202/974-2300, e-mail the Council at info@nmhc.org.
