In light of federal court action regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC Order for a Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions, County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized that Montgomery County renters, along with all Maryland renters, still have eviction protection even if the federal court decision results in cancelling protections under the CDC Order.
“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,” said County Executive Elrich. “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.”
Renters should apply for rental assistance at www.mc311.com/rentrelief and work with their landlord on how that assistance can address past due rent. Renters need to prepare for possible court action while they apply for rental assistance and work with their landlord to use rental assistance in maintaining their housing.
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.
Whether the renter accesses Governor’s Order or CDC Order protections to prevent eviction, both protections require a tenant to take certain actions and attend their court date. More information about the Governor’s Order and CDC Order is available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/renters
Renters who already missed their court date and received an eviction notice from court are encouraged to do two things. They should call 311 (240-777-0311) for guidance from Housing Stabilization Services and they should call one of the tenant support organizations listed at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/renters to learn about any other possible options.
