Over 14 percent of Quad-Citians could face evictions today after the expiration of the rent moratorium due to covid-19.

In June, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed an extension to the eviction moratorium further preventing the eviction of tenants who were unable to make rental payments. The moratorium that was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2021 was extended through July 31, 2021 — yesterday. That was intended to be the final extension and another has not been reached.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a historic threat to the nation’s public health. Keeping people in their homes and out of crowded or congregate settings — like homeless shelters — by preventing evictions is a key step in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Walensky said in her announcement of the extension to July 31. However, even as covid-19 numbers begin to spike again, particularly in Scott County and Rock Island County, the moratorium has been lifted and another is nowhere in site.

As of July 31, 14.0 percent of renting households in Rock Island County, IL owe back rent and 14.4 percent of renting households in Scott County, IA owe back rent, according to the national data base on eviction moratoriums.

At least on the Illinois side, renters have at least another month leeway. Illinois’ ban on evictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was extended to Aug. 31, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced this week, although he added that would likely be the final extension. Landlords can serve tenants with eviction papers after Aug. 1 but cannot enforce them until Aug. 31.

Help is available for renters and landlords to cover missed rent payments, utilities, and rental income during the pandemic. Find a rental assistance program in your area HERE.

Illinois residents who lost their jobs or found their paychecks scaled back because of the pandemic can apply for up to $25,000 to cover missed rental payments. Applications and eligibility standards are available online at illinoisrentalassistance.org.

If you live on the Iowa side, and need help, you can consult legal aid HERE.

Please leave this field empty

Free Breaking News
Alerts & Daily Digest
In Your Inbox!

Check your inbox to confirm your subscription.

Sean Leary Director of Digital Media

Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.