Deal Struck for Off Ramp to Eviction Moratorium

(KNSI) – Renters with an outstanding rental assistance claim cannot be evicted, per an eviction moratorium off-ramp agreed to by lawmakers at the Capitol Monday.

Governor Tim Walz put an eviction moratorium into place at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, essentially banning most renters from being kicked out of their homes due to unpaid rent. An off-ramp for the moratorium was one piece of legislation that both sides needed to agree to as part of the special session, and Monday, lawmakers got it done.

House and Senate negotiators agreed to the move that protects renters from being kicked out and sets up a clear timeline for landlords to access state rental assistance. The deal will replace the governor’s moratorium with the off ramp that ends 105 days after the proposal is signed into law.

Landlords must give 15 days’ notice to renters who are overdue on their rent payment before evicting them. Renters who have entered a rental assistance claim but have not yet gotten their money cannot be kicked out of their homes until June 1, 2022.

Last week, it appeared the off ramp was stuck in neutral as Democrats and Republicans agreed it was needed but differed on how to get there. Representative Michael Howard, Vice Chair of Housing Finance and Policy, said it was a must that a plan is created to make a smooth path for those needing to resolve issues with unpaid rent and the landlords that are owed.

Along with some of the larger counties and cities, the state is sharing $672 million in federal aid for renters.

If you need help paying your rent, you can learn more and apply for assistance by clicking here.

A lawsuit was also filed Tuesday on behalf of Minnesota landlords to end the eviction moratorium.

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