Due to the recent increase in requests for information regarding the CDC order halting evictions, we are posting a link to the official tenant declaration that you must provide to your landlord if you cannot pay rent due to the economic impact of COVID-19:
(The CDC eviction moratorium has been extended until March 31, 2021.)
Under the CDC’s order you must provide a copy of this declaration to your landlord, owner of the residential property where you live, or other person who has a right to have you evicted or removed from where you live.
You are still required to pay rent and follow all the other terms of your lease and rules of the place where you live.
You may also still be evicted for reasons other than not paying rent or making a housing payment.
This declaration is sworn testimony, meaning that you can be prosecuted, go to jail, or pay a fine if you lie, mislead, or omit important information.
[ 1 ] ___ I have used best efforts to obtain all available government assistance for rent or housing;
[ 2 ] ___ I either expect to earn no more than $99,000 in annual income for Calendar Year 2020 (or no more than $198,000 if filing a joint tax return), was not required to report any income in 2019 to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or received an Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) pursuant to Section 2201 of the CARES Act;
[3] ___ I am unable to pay my full rent or make a full housing payment due to
- substantial loss of household income,
- loss of compensable hours of work or wages,
- lay-offs, or
- extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses;
[ 4 ] ___ I am using best efforts to make timely partial payments that are as close to the full payment as the individual’s circumstances may permit, taking into account other nondiscretionary expenses;
[ 5 ] ___ If evicted I would likely become homeless, need to move into a homeless shelter, or need to move into a new residence shared by other people who live in close quarters because I have no other available housing options.
[ 6 ] ___ I understand that I must still pay rent or make a housing payment, and comply with other obligations that I may have under my tenancy, lease agreement, or similar contract. I further understand that fees, penalties, or interest for not paying rent or making a housing payment on time as required by my tenancy, lease agreement, or similar contract may still be charged or collected.
[ 7 ] ___ I further understand that at the end of this temporary halt on evictions on December 31, 2020, my housing provider may require payment in full for all payments not made prior to and during the temporary halt and failure to pay may make me subject to eviction pursuant to State and local laws.
[ 8 ] ___ I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions may result in criminal and civil actions for fines, penalties, damages, or imprisonment.
* Signed and Dated by Declarant
These are unprecedented times for both landlords and tenants. If you have questions about your rights under this order, it is important to consult with your attorney.