Eviction Moratorium ends, renters worried about future

There is help available through Legal Aid of Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Eviction Moratorium in place for almost a year has now officially expired. It ended at midnight on August 1.

The moratorium allowed tenants to not pay rent while it was in place but did not release them from the requirement to pay back that rent once it was over. That leaves many tenants with a large bill and not enough money to pay it.

MORE: CDC Guidance for those impacted by the expiration of Eviction Moratorium

Legal Aid of Nebraska expects eviction filings in court to increase now and is offering help and advice to impacted Nebraskans.

“Our Housing Justice Project focuses on preventing families from losing their homes. These Nebraskans have legal rights, but we know that having an attorney is critical in preventing evictions,” said Mertz. “Throughout the pandemic, Legal Aid attorneys across Nebraska have helped renters and their families stay in their homes. And even with the lifting of the moratorium, tenants at risk of being evicted can contact Legal Aid.”

You can contact Legal Aid to ask questions about dealing with your landlord, how to pay back rent and what payment plan options there are, and to get necessary legal advice for this tense time.

“We know that there is a backlog of applications and that can be frustrating, but we ask landlords and tenants to try and be patient and work through the process. By working together, we can keep more Nebraskans in their homes which is so vital for many reasons” Mertz said.

You can also call Legal Aid of Nebraska for help at 1-800-250-2016.