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Illinois Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures Is Extended

Posted by Marques A. Eason | Aug 19, 2020 | 0 Comments

Over the past six months, Illinois renters and homeowners have been struggling to make ends meet. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many employees experiencing pay cuts, getting furloughed, or being laid off altogether. A halt in the working world has trickled down to unpaid rent and mortgages due to a lack of income. Governor J.B. Pritzker recognized this financial crisis in late April, enacting an eviction and foreclosure moratorium throughout the state of Illinois—although residents were still required to pay the rent or mortgage, evictions and foreclosures could not be enforced during this time. The moratorium was set to expire on Aug. 22, but Governor Pritzker extended the state's moratorium on evictions for another 30 days, so it will now expire on Sept. 22. In addition, the state has turned to other means to protect Illinois citizens from mass homelessness.

Housing Grants

Approximately 14,000 Chicagoans who lost their jobs or whose pay was reduced because of the pandemic asked the city for help paying their rent or mortgages, according to officials. A new state program launched on August 10, allowing Illinois residents to apply for financial assistance if they are struggling to make rent or mortgage payments due to coronavirus-related financial difficulties. Applications came from all areas of the city, but South Side residents made up the highest number of applicants.

Renters are able to apply for a one-time $5,000 grant while homeowners are eligible for a $15,000 grant to help make ends meet. The state is giving $300 million in rent and mortgage grants this fall to those financially impacted by COVID-19. Like much of the financial assistance tied to COVID-19, these grants are funded by federal money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

This support is especially necessary for the state of Illinois, since it ranked third in the nation for rent deferrals in June, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Renters are taking the largest hit, as 24 percent of Illinois renters deferred or did not pay for rent in July. Although still significant, homeowners saw a 19 percent deferment or unpaid mortgage payments in that same timeframe.

Based on the amount of money that is included in the grant fund, a projected 30,000 renters and up to 15,000 Illinois homeowners will benefit from this federally funded grant. The qualifications for this grant money are based on the applicant's income and the amount of back pay that is owed to their landlord or mortgage loaner. 

According to WTTW, in late August, city officials set aside another $33 million for a second round of grants, which includes $20 million in federal funds to help people recover from the economic crisis brought on by COVID-19. Winners of the grants from the Department of Housing will be selected through a lottery, and officials said they should receive the money in the coming weeks.

Contact a Cook County Real Estate Lawyer Today

The Chicagoland area has been hit especially hard with both COVID-19 cases and financial damages from the virus. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for the federally funded grant and make up some of your past-due rent or mortgage payments. Unfortunately, even with the grant's assistance, you may still be facing the possibility of eviction or foreclosure once the Moratorium ends. The Marques Eason Law Group is dedicated to helping Chicagoans through their financial difficulties. Whether you are facing possible eviction by your landlord or foreclosure from your home, Attorney Eason is prepared to use his years of experience in your defense. Contact our skilled Beverly eviction and foreclosure defense attorney today at 773-973-3755 to discuss your case.

Sources:

https://abc7chicago.com/illinois-eviction-moratorium-chicago-rent-jb-pritzker/6380874/

https://www2.illinois.gov/Pages/Executive-Orders/ExecutiveOrder2020-30.aspx

https://www.chicagotribune.com/real-estate/ct-re-illinois-housing-development-authority-grants-0807-20200808-flbvwnx44vcrjhstuzmhtheaoy-story.html 

https://news.wttw.com/2020/08/26/14k-chicagoans-apply-housing-assistance-grants-officials

About the Author

Marques A. Eason

Chicago Real Estate, Family Law, and Probate Attorney

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