A federal moratorium on evictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic expires on Saturday, July 31st, leaving many local residents who are behind on rent facing eviction and homelessness. According to the New York Times database, it’s estimated that 11.4% of all renters in both Marion and Warren Counties owe an average of nearly $3,600 in rent payments, and landlords will soon be able to begin the eviction process for those in arrears.

An estimated $23 billion of back rent is owed nationwide, with Iowa’s hardest hit counties including Plymouth County and Woodbury County to the northwest at over 15% of renters behind on payments, while the hardest hit states overall include South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas with several counties reaching nearly 30% of all renters behind on payments.

For those renting and behind on payments facing eviction, the federal government allows applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance program, which is allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to states to distribute for rent relief. Find resources for the application and eviction assistance below.

Rental Assistance
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/emergency-rental-assistance-program

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Rental Assistance Application Guidelines
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/renter-protections/emergency-rental-assistance-for-renters/?utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=treasury_banner/

Eviction Assistance Local Resources
https://justshelter.org/community-resources/

Eviction Protection Declaration – valid through July 31st
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/EvictionDeclare_d508.pdf