At the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, many federal and state emergency orders were released to combat the rising number of illnesses and aid the rising number of unemployment claims. The most well-known of these was the supplement that was added to monthly unemployment benefits and the eviction moratorium that shielded tenants from eviction.
As the U.S. enters the state of the new normal, many of these temporary regulations have ended. One of these pandemic-era legislations that has recently ended is the additional supplement to federal unemployment benefits. On top of that, Governor Newsom has extended the state’s eviction moratorium to September 30 when it previously was set to expire.
The relief of knowing that you won’t be evicted may be short-lived, as Governor Newsom has stated that another extension is unlikely.
That means that it’s important to get with an estate planning lawyer in Ontario to make sure you understand what this final extension means for you and your home.
Stopping Eviction
The current Toronto eviction moratorium means that landlords cannot evict their tenants due to non-payment of rent through September 30. After that date, those who receive an eviction notice will have 14 days to apply for rental assistance. If the tenant is not approved or does not apply for rental assistance, then they can be evicted after that 14 day period.
Not everyone is shielded from evictions during this period, as Toronto still allows evictions due to breaking the lease agreement, damaging the property, or using the property to do something illegal.
Aid in Making Rent or Mortgage Payments
Your civil litigation lawyer in Ontario will also tell you that Toronto is offering financial aid to those who cannot afford their rent or mortgage payments. The state will pay 100% of eligible tenants’ unpaid rent from April 2020 through Sept. 30, 2021. Eligible tenants are those who earn 80% or less of the area median income
If you aren’t eligible, then you may still qualify for the eviction ban if you pay at least 25% of the rent you owe by September 30. Your landlord has the option to take you to court to recover that money, but they cannot evict you for lack of payment.
