New Temporary Halt on Evictions
On September 3, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order published the Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions To Prevent the Further Spread of COVID–19 in the Federal Register and has the effect of law. The CDC cites the increased risk of spreading coronavirus when people are evicted from their home or experience homelessness, and will help ensure that people are able to practice social distancing and comply with stay-at-home orders. Please follow these links for more information:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-eviction-declaration.html
https://www.lascinti.org/new-temporary-halt-on-evictions/
COVID 19 Update
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
During the shelter-in-place order, HOME will continue education and outreach via our new podcast. “The Fair Housing Podcast” will give the latest COVID-19 news relating to housing, while also telling the stories of local housing providers, community members and more who have been affected by this public health emergency. To listen click here: https://soundcloud.com/user-790526164
HOME takes the health and safety of our community seriously and want to make responsible changes to our operations to protect our staff and community. Out of concern for public health and safety as well as careful consideration of the recently announced national emergency in response to the COVID19 pandemic, we have made the decision to close our offices to the public while maintaining business operations. Call us at 513.721.4663 or email us from the sidebar on this page.
CURRENT FAQs
WHAT IF I LOST MY JOB DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION MEASURES?
The State of Ohio has put emergency measures in place to protect workers displaced by prevention measures, such as the closure of bars & restaurants. If you’ve been displaced, gather your recent pay stubs and apply online for unemployment here. https://unemployment.cmt.ohio.gov/cmtview/ You can also apply by calling toll-free 1-877-644-6562 or TTY 1-614-387-8408, (excluding holidays) Monday through Friday 8 AM – 5 PM.
WHAT IF I MISS UTILITY PAYMENTS?
Duke Energy suspended disconnections due to non-payment, effective March 13, 2020. Check out their FAQ page for updates here. https://www.dukeenergyupdates.com/info/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions
Greater Cincinnati Water Works has also suspended water shutoffs due to non-payment. They are asking people to pay bills online or call them, since they have closed their lobby. Check out GCWW’s update here. https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/water/news/gcww-lobby-closure-assistance-in-response-to-covid-19-outbreak/
We encourage you to communicate with your utility companies to work out a payment plan if you get behind.
WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY MY RENT OR MORTGAGE?
Currently, several local courts are suspending court proceedings, including hearing cases for evictions. See the WCPO article here, https://www.wcpo.com/news/national/coronavirus/jury-trials-most-proceedings-at-hamilton-county-courthouse-suspended explaining what the courts are doing in response to the virus. If you are in the middle of eviction proceedings, look for mail to update you on your hearing in the future. If your landlord wants to file for eviction today, the earliest the case would be heard is May.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has issued a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures through April. According to The Hill, “The moratorium will apply only to homeowners with mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a HUD agency that backs affordable home loans issued through private firms.” The Federal Housing Finance Agency also issued a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures on housing insured by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. https://www.hud.gov/coronavirus