Governor Tom Wolf was joined by Attorney General Josh Shapiro to
announce that he signed an executive order that protects
Pennsylvanians from foreclosures or evictions through July
10. The action builds on a Pennsylvania Supreme Court
order which closed court eviction proceedings until May 11 and
ensures no renter or homeowner will be removed from their home for
60 more days.
"At a time when people need to stay home to protect their
heath, they should not have to worry about losing their
homes," said Governor Wolf. "Ensuring that people can
remain in their homes will help them to better protect their loved
ones. It gives families the comfort of knowing they will have a
place to live while all of us work together to fight COVID-19 and
prepare to move Pennsylvania forward."
In almost all circumstances, renters and homeowners are required to
continue making monthly payments.
The Wolf Administration provided recommendations last week to stem
foreclosures, evictions and help people experiencing homelessness.
The Department of Human Services activated the Commonwealth's
Sheltering Taskforce and is working with local and state partners
to coordinate resources for people without housing. The Department
of Community and Economic Development is also accepting
applications for Emergency Solutions Grants to assist with the
rapid rehousing of people experiencing homelessness, street
outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter
activities.
PHFA is also taking action to help homeowners and renters. The
agency has stopped foreclosures and evictions and is offering
forbearances with late fee waivers to homeowners with a PHFA
mortgage who are experiencing a financial hardship because of
COVID-19. PHFA also developed a list of renters' rights and
responsibilities to clarify the situation for apartment residents
and is working with landlords and property managers to distribute
it to renters. PHFA is also encouraging Low-Income Housing Tax
Credit building managers to be flexible on rent payments and to
waive late fees for tenants whose employment has been affected by
the crisis.
Duane Morris has created a COVID-19 Strategy Team to help organizations plan, respond to and address this fast-moving situation. Contact your Duane Morris attorney for more information. Prior Alerts on the topic are available on the team's webpage.
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If you have any questions about this post, please contact Brad A. Molotsky, David Augustin or the attorney in the firm with whom you are regularly in contact.
Be well and stay safe!
Originally published May 8, 2020.
Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.