L PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — If you’re behind on rent payments, you could still face evictions despite the nationwide eviction moratorium the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced earlier this month.

“It’s not a blanket moratorium like the first one,” Irene Valenzuela, Executive Director El Paso County Community Services.

There are four boxes that renters have to check in order to be considered eligible for this eviction moratorium.

“The tenant must have some qualifying criteria. They must declare that that they are covered under the public health order from the CDC and submit a written declaration to the landlord attesting that they meet certain income guidelines, that they have done their best effort to apply for and receive assistance for rent, and then they have other hardships that prevent them from paying the rent,” Valenzuela said.

Tenants can still be evicted if they don’t qualify or for other issues outside of rent non-payment

“The landlord can still evict for non-payment for other issues, other than not paying the rent. So, if there’s criminal activity going on in the apartment unit or in the housing unit, the landlord still has the ability to evict,” Valenzuela said.

The moratorium doesn’t forgive rent payments so eligible tenants could face rent debt in January when it’s lifted, but there is still help available.

“There’s significant pots of money still available in both the city limits of El Paso and the county of El Paso. The county of El Paso has $1 million for rent assistance, paying up to two months of rent for attendants that live outside the city limits will pass it anywhere outside the general city limits of El Paso. Tenants can qualify for this rent assistance of two months’ worth, up to $1,400,” Valenzuela said.

The county is also increasing outreach efforts to help keep landlords and tenants informed.

“We’re going to utilize our own resources, our own community centers and we’re going to be out there, letting the public know this moratorium exists. If you qualify, here’s your form, fill it out, sign it and turn it into your number,” she said.

The declaration that eligible tenants must sign and turn in to their landlords can be found here.

Source: https://kfoxtv.com/news/coronavirus/renters-could-still-face-eviction-despite-nationwide-moratorium-officials-warn

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