PRESENTE spoke with Community Justice Project to obtain more information on possible evictions. Below are the details they shared:
Governor Tom Wolf has issued an Executive Order stopping new evictions based on nonpayment of rent or expiration of lease term from being filed in
Pennsylvania until at least July 10, 2020.
Some county courts have entered their own emergency orders preventing evictions for a longer period of time. In Allegheny County, for instance, all evictions are stayed until June 2, 2020. Find your court at www.pacourts.us/ujs-coronavirus-information.
If you have questions about an eviction, we may be able to help. Call us at 412-434-6002 or email info@cjplaw.org or www.communityjusticeproject.org
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can my landlord lock me out of my house during this period?
No. That is illegal. Your landlord must file legal evictions proceedings in Court to evict you from your home. If your landlord tries to lock you out, call your local police, and then contact CJP, another attorney or the Pennsylvania Attorney General.
Can my landlord terminate my utilities during this period?
No. That is illegal.
Am I still responsible to pay rent during this period?
Yes. You are still responsible for rent during this period.
What should I do if I can’t pay my rent at this time?
If you cannot pay your rent, you should call your landlord and ask for help. The landlord may be able to apply for assistance, such as pausing mortgage
payments if tenants have lost income due to the Coronavirus crisis.
In addition, you may be able to get help paying your rent. Check with your local social service providers, such as community centers, or try Pennsylvania 211, by dial “211” on your telephone or text your zip code to “898-211” to connect to 211 resource navigators. In Allegheny County, for instance, rental assistance funds may be available through the City of Pittsburgh Housing Opportunity Fund or the County homelessness prevention program.
Does the Order protect me from eviction if I am not a U.S. Citizen?
Yes. The Governor’s Order protects you from eviction for nonpayment of rent or expiration of the lease regardless of your immigration status. Similarly, the Allegheny County Court Order staying all evictions applies regardless of your immigration status.
Again, the Governor has issued an Executive Order that effectively stays all new eviction proceedings for nonpayment of rent or expiration of lease term until July 10, 2020.
Some courts have broader stays on eviction proceedings; check your court. If you receive a notice that your landlord has initiated an eviction proceeding, or that an eviction will be carried out, please feel free to contact CJP. We may be able to help.
If you have questions about an eviction, contact Communicty Justice Project at 412-434-6002, info@cjplaw.org or www.communityjusticeproject.org
