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I can't pay my rent. Can I be evicted during COVID?

Posted 7/1/2021
Assistance and ReliefFamilies and childrenOfficial GuidelinesRenters and Homeowners

Emergency Provisions for Rent and Eviction

On March 15, 2021, Governor Lamont announced UniteCT, a new state program to provide financial assistance to approved Connecticut households financially impacted by the pandemic. The program will provide up to $10,000 in rental assistance to landlords on behalf of qualified tenants. Both tenants and landlords can apply, and applicants can track the progress online. To learn more and apply for assistance, please visit our UniteCT page.  

 

Governor Lamont has signed Executive Order No. 12D stating that, beginning June 30, 2021 landlords are required to apply for the UniteCT rental assistance program before delivering an eviction notice to tenants for overdue rent. The Executive Order also states that:

  • Landlords must send tenants eviction notices for nonpayment of rent, for lapse of time, or whose right to occupy a unit has terminated at least 30-days’ notice prior to beginning an eviction
  • Tenants should be given an opportunity to continue the lease with all terms intact, by paying outstanding rent within the 30-day period.
  • Eviction notices must be delivered along with certain information about the state’s UniteCT program and the federal eviction moratorium in both English and Spanish
  • A stay in eviction proceedings of up to 30 days is permitted if the landlord or the tenant applies to the UniteCT program. 

 

On June 30, 2020, Governor Lamont extended protections for residential renters affected by COVID-19 under Executive Order 7DDD. 

That eviction moratorium on residential evictions was extended to June 30, 2021 for all renters who were current with rent payments as of February 29, 2020. 

A subsequent order (see above) was issued regarding transition of the eviction moratorium after June 30, 2021.  

However, landlords with federally-backed mortgages (which make up approximately 70% of U.S. mortgages) cannot serve a notice to quit for nonpayment of rent until July 25 or commence an eviction proceeding until 30 days after serving a notice to quit.

The court system is establishing its own rules for prioritizing cases in the interest of social distancing and public health.

Executive order 7DDD also extends the opportunity provided under Executive Order 7X for tenants to apply additional security deposit to rent upon request for rent due in April, May, June, July or August 2020.

You can apply the balance of any security deposit worth more than one month’s rent, including any interest that has accrued on your initial deposit.

Together with the provisions of 7DDD, the Governor announced new resources to assist tenants, homeowners, and residential property owners. 

Please visit the official guidance for more details.