Eviction moratorium extended to March 31

The State has extended its temporary halt on residential evictions due to COVID-19.

The moratorium now goes through March 31.

The order was set last September to provide a reprieve to tenants who were struggling to pay their rent.

Renters are warned that they do not automatically qualify for eviction protections under the CDC order, so they should communicate with their landlords. If they can’t pay due to the pandemic, they should make a request for protection in writing.

To invoke the moratorium, tenants, lessees or residents must provide a signed copy of the declaration form provided by the CDC to their landlord or residential property owner. Each adult listed on the lease, rental agreement or housing contract must provide their own separate declaration.

The moratorium does not exempt tenants from their obligations to pay rent and follow the terms of their lease. Tenants are still required to pay rent and may still be evicted for reasons other than not making payments. Landlords may still charge and collect late fees, penalties and interest.

Federal legislation also provides $25 billion in emergency rental assistance for states and local governments. Renters may be eligible to use a portion of this funding to pay their rent or utility bills.

For more information, visit datcp.wi.gov.