On January 28, 2021, Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) extended its Eviction Moratorium through April 30, 2021. The factors that led to that extension continue to exist. For that reason, LMH President and Chief Executive Officer, Joaquin Cintron Vega, has authorized the continuation of the moratorium until Wednesday July 31, 2021.
LMH understands that housing insecurity was already at a crisis level nationally and locally before COVID-19. This determination is consistent with the strategy of Lucas Metropolitan Housing to extend the Eviction Moratorium at least one month beyond the CDC mandate. This allows LMH more time and flexibility to work with its residents to ensure that they remain in their homes. The agency has extended the moratorium several times already and will continue to do so as necessary into 2021.
The temporary moratorium on evictions for nonpayment of rent and fees and penalties related to nonpayment of rent, applies to all tenants, regardless if their employment was affected by COVID-19. LMH alerts its residents that any rent missed during the moratorium will accumulate and still be due when the eviction moratorium is lifted. For any unpaid rent during the moratorium, the family must repay LMH or sign a repayment agreement to pay any amount owed after the moratorium has ended. LMH is working with its residents to educate them about the process.
LMH understands the critical importance of providing stable housing, now more than ever, and is committed to working with its residents to do everything it can to keep them in their homes. “Providing safe and stable housing during the ongoing health emergency is paramount to LMH and the community. The agency has been closely monitoring the negative economic impact the pandemic is having on its residents, including their ability to pay rent,” said Cintron Vega.
During the moratorium, LMH has also established a number of internal safeguards to ensure individuals and families remain housed. Lucas Metropolitan Housing has designed a program providing its families with education and information on available rental assistance. Furthermore, we are taking all the steps necessary to work on a case by-case basis with residents and we are connecting them to the available resources.
Lucas Metropolitan Housing is committed to continue serving our residents and communities with a sense of compassion one day at a time.