Landlord Tenant Law - PA Extends Eviction Pause

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf kicked that reckoning 53 days down the road, extending a statewide moratorium on evictions and foreclosures to Aug. 31, 2020.

Pennsylvania Housing Financing Agency’s launch Monday of a $150 million rental assistance program and a $25 million mortgage assistance program.

According to the PHFA’s program guidelines, renters can secure up to $750 a month, and $4,500 for a period of six months. The funds (first come, first served) are paid directly to landlords. An important caveat: If a landlord chooses to accept the awarded funds, they cannot ask renters for additional rent even if the funds don’t cover the full rent. They also must agree not to evict tenants until 60 days after the final assistance payment.

To qualify for assistance, renters must prove they lost their job or at least 30% of their annual income because of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, annual income can’t exceed the area median family income — approximately $78,000. Married couples must apply jointly, while non-married roommates can apply separately.

The federal coronavirus relief law offers deeper protections for renters of properties with federally backed mortgages and properties that participate in subsidy programs covered by the Violence Against Women Act, such as the Section 8 voucher program and public housing.

If a landlord with a federally backed mortgage decides to evict a tenant for unpaid rent, they cannot start eviction proceedings until Aug. 26, and must issue a 30-day notice to vacate before filing an eviction. They also cannot charge late fees for past due rent accrued March 27 to July 25.

For any questions or assistance, please contact the Attorneys at Fazzio Law, we are in your corner!