Elrich: Eviction Protection Remains in Place

Last week a federal judge ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Protection overstepped its legal authority when it issued a nationwide moratorium on evictions and vacated the CDC order. In Maryland, Governor Hogan’s Executive Order to protect tenants from eviction remains in place. County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized that tenants still have protection from eviction, according to a statement from his office.

“Last week’s ruling by a federal judge vacating the CDC’s temporary halt to evictions is extremely concerning and could be confusing to our renters,” Elrich said in the statement. “We need all Montgomery County residents to be fully aware that Maryland’s Executive Order from Governor Hogan is still in effect and helps protect renters. If you are in the process of being evicted, please reach out to us, know your rights, and apply for rental relief resources if applicable. Furthermore, this federal ruling is another reason why Governor Hogan needs to not only keep, but extend, the eviction moratorium throughout our State.”

Governor Hogan’s Executive Order suspending evictions for tenants who demonstrate income loss related to COVID remains in place until the end of the state of emergency. Under the Governor’s Order, eviction suspension is available if a renter attends their court hearing and provides documentation to show COVID-related impact on income.

Renters who receive a summons to appear in court must appear in court and are encouraged to access free legal and other assistance – both ahead of time and at court. To get help in preparing for court, renters may contact any of the legal assistance and tenant support organizations listed at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/renters  Renters also should also contact the County for Housing Stabilization Services by calling 311 (240-777-0311).

On their scheduled court date, renters should bring income-impact documentation and ask for Legal Aid when they arrive at court. If a renter receives multiple court dates, they should attend each one.

Renters can apply for rental assistance by visiting this website www.mc311.com.

More information about the Governor’s Order and the CDC Order is available on this website www.montgomerycountymd.gov/renters.

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