CFPB: Rental Assistance Available as Eviction Moratorium Expiration Approaches

As the July 31 federal eviction moratorium expiration approaches, the Biden administration, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Mortgage Bankers Association and industry groups are working together to inform apartment owners and renters about the rental assistance programs available to them.

“The federal government is conducting an all-out push to make sure tenants and landlords take advantage of the historic funding for emergency rental assistance to help cover rent, utilities and other housing costs and keep people in their homes,” the CFPB said in announcing a new tool, consumerfinance.gov/renthelp, that allows renters and landlords to find information on rental assistance in their area.

MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit, CMB, praised the Biden administration and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for raising awareness about the resources available to tenants and landlords.

“MBA appreciates and supports the Biden administration and CFPB awareness campaign to make sure tenants and landlords take advantage of the emergency rental assistance programs available to help cover rent, utilities and other housing costs,” Broeksmit said. “With the CDC nationwide eviction moratorium set to expire on July 31, we are working closely with our multifamily loan servicing members to communicate to their borrowers that billions of dollars is available to help tenants and landlords in need.”

Broeksmit noted MBA will continue to partner with policymakers and industry stakeholders to build awareness and push for states to distribute rental assistance more efficiently. “Rental assistance is an important tool to help keep families in their homes, while also protecting the safety and soundness of multifamily markets,” he said.

The CFPB said the American Rescue Plan made billions of dollars in federal rental assistance available to renters behind on housing costs as well as landlords who have struggled during the pandemic. “These programs are run locally, and right now emergency rental assistance is available across the country,” the CFPB said.

More information about the program is available at #RentHelp.