Due to the risk of community spread and rising case numbers, the CDC has extended the Eviction Moratorium until October 3rd in areas with substantial and high community transmission rates. “The coronavirus pandemic has forced renters struggling to pay their monthly bills into a delicate dance with landlords also worried about paying their tax and utility bills,” writes Corrinne Hess with Wisconsin Public Radio.
Plainly stated, tenants want to keep their homes, and landlords need to pay their bills. It’s a lot easier for both if tenants can stay where they’re at. That’s especially true for those waiting to apply for an anticipated $629 million in federal rent assistance earmarked for Wisconsin.
To be protected under the most recent moratorium, you must file a declaration form.
Regardless of whether or not you are protected by the most recent eviction moratorium, resources are available to help you stay in your home.
Statewide Programs
- 211.org – a confidential website and 24/7 service line where you can find the most up-to-date information about local assistance that may be available to you.
- Emergency Assistance – a fast payment to help families keep housing, get housing, or pay their utilities.
- Community Resources to Help with Housing – a list of statewide resources, curated by the United Way.
- WERA (Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance) is accepting applications to provide up to 12 months assistance for current and/or overdue rent and utility payments to people who experienced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see the WERA frequently asked questions for more information.
- Find a local Wisconsin agency that is distributing funds from Emergency Rental Assistance to help tenants and landlords during the eviction ban.
- It might also help to read this FAQ from Forbes about who’s eligible for these funds.
- The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has a great resource to reference if your landlord has moved forward with the eviction process.
Resources by County
- Milwaukee Emergency Rental Assistance (MERA), offered through the Social Development Commission (SDC), provides rent assistance to those experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.
- Landlord and Tenant Resources from the Oshkosh Area United Way – a list of rental resources available in Winnebago County.
Tribal Community Members
- Ho-Chunk Nation Emergency Rental Assistance
- Menominee Indian Tribe COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance
- Oneida Emergency Rental/Utility Assistance Program
- Red Cliff Emergency Rental Assistance Program
- Bad River Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Note: This post was updated on August 4, 2021 to reflect the eviction ban extension from July 31 to October 3, 2021. For more information about this extension, please visit the CDC’s update.
This post will be updated regularly to reflect the most current resources available to Wisconsin residents.
