Executive order forbids evictions, foreclosures, but does not forgive payments
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Gov. Eric Holcomb passed an executive order that protects tenants from being evicted during the current state of emergency.
For many, April is the first time since the pandemic hit the economy that a rent payment is due. For people who have been out of work for weeks due to the coronavirus closures, they don’t have the money to cover it.
The governor’s executive order forbids landlords from evicting tenants during the current state of emergency and forbids houses to be foreclosed on during the state of emergency. It does not forgive all payments in the meantime.
“It doesn’t say that you don’t owe rent. The rent will continue to be accrued,” said Matt Giffin, Deputy Director for the Office Public Health and Safety.
Before the pandemic Indianapolis already had one of the highest eviction rates in the country and nearly half of Marion County’s residents are renters.
“The executive order, which I think was a good thing and we welcomed it, is to make sure that during this crisis, people have homes and aren’t getting displaced,” said Giffin.
The executive order does not, however, waive payments for the landlords who own the properties. The city says they are anticipating some kind of relief to come for those impacted by the pandemic.
“We are not in a position yet to say how much money might be available, what that package might look like but we are working as hard as possible to get information as it comes from Washington and as it comes from the state about how that is all going to look,” said Giffin.
Landlords who do not abide by the governor’s orders could face serious consequences.
“Landlords, at least those who are knowingly or recklessly or intentionally violates the governor’s executive order imposing moratorium could be subject to misdemeanor prosecution,” said Giffin.
While landlords are encouraged to be forgiving during this time, when the state of emergency is lifted there is a worry that many people will be left without a place to live.
“If a tenant falls behind on rent and one this emergency is over if the landlord is legally entitled to evict the tenant they can still do that,” said Giffin.
As part of an ordinance that the city passed in February, a tenant information hotline is now available at 317-327-2228.
For tenants who are in need of rent assistance, Giffin says the best resource at the moment is the township trustee in your area.