Renters - here is what you need to know about the eviction moratorium

On August 3rd, the Center for Disease Control issued a new eviction moratorium order for non-payment of rent that covers an estimated 90% of renters across the country. The order is effective from August 3rd – October 3, 2021. 

The new order covers renters living in counties with “high” or “substantial” community spread of COVID-19. As of August 4, 2021, 240 of Texas’ 254 counties are covered. To check the updated community spread map, see the CDC’s live tracker here. It is updated daily at 8PM EST. 

Currently, all of Texas’s major metropolitan areas* are included and protected under the new CDC eviction moratorium. It also appears that currently all major metropolitan suburbs are covered by this renewed moratorium. Other large communities that are currently protected under the order are the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Lubbock, and Abilene.

Here are the two steps you need to follow to be protected: 

1. 1. 1. Check the CDC’s COVID-19 Data Tracker – COVID-19 Integrated County View. If the county you reside in is shaded any color other than yellow or blue, you are protected. 
      2. Submit a completed CDC Declaration Form to your landlord. Everyone on your lease should submit a declaration. (Already submitted one to your landlord? You are still covered and do not need to submit a new one)
      3. We recommend sending the declarative statement to your landlord via certified mail
         

*Major metropolitan areas refer to Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso.