Federal judge throws out moratorium on evictions
A federal judge on Wednesday delivered a setback to millions of Americans who have fallen behind on rent payments.
A Washington-based, Trump-appointed judge threw out the CDC’s nationwide moratorium on evictions - saying the ‘plain language’ of a federal law called the Public Health Service Act blocked the moratorium.
The edict was issued in September during Trump’s administration, and was most recently extended - under Biden - until June 30th.
The judge’s decision - which the government is appealing - provides temporary relief for landlords struggling with delinquent tenants and vacancies
… like Austin-based landlord, Sammie Joseph:
APRIL 30: “We still have to pay the banks, we have to pay utilities, we have to pay taxes, we have to pay insurance… we have zero forgiveness on all of our liabilities and expenses.”
According to the White House, one in five renters had fallen behind on rent as of January.
Landlords and real estate trade groups that challenged the moratorium in court said the CDC lacked the power to impose it… saying it unlawfully took away their right to deal with delinquent tenants.
Other courts have been divided over the moratorium, with some also finding the CDC exceeded its authority. But - no court until now had formally blocked its enforcement.
