Rent Relief for Many Texans Ends Soon, and Evictions Can Resume

Relief for many renters is coming to an end on Monday. 

The Texas Supreme Court had extended the moratorium on preventing evictions. The new order reads: “Beginning May 19, 2020, eviction proceedings may resume and deadlines are no longer tolled, and beginning May 26, 2020, warnings may be posted and writs of possession may be executed.”

The order expires Aug. 12 unless it is extended by the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

However, depending on where you live or if your area has a local order, you may be protected. 

You may have protection through Aug. 23 if your home is covered by a federally backed mortgage. You can read about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act Eviction Moratorium here. Tenants may also be protected through the CARES Act. 

COVID-19 rental assistance programs across Texas have been overwhelmed, as the Dallas Morning News reported, and that can mean halting applications as funds may already be committed.

Also debt collection resumes under the new order.

During the last two months of the pandemic, over 1.9 million people have filed for unemployment while the state spirals into a recession. The Texas Workforce Commission website explains that it’s best to apply for benefits as soon as you are unemployed because your claim will start the week that you complete the application. However, filing for benefits doesn’t mean those struggling to pay rent will now have fewer worries.

Nearly half of Texas renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent, RA News reported earlier this month. For jobless Texans this has meant a greater cost burden. Recovering from unemployment can be a long and difficult process, and the need for relief grows with each day. The pandemic has affected Texans from every economic background — especially those who live paycheck-to-paycheck.