Majority of Wyoming Falls Under CDC Eviction Moratorium Extension

The majority of Wyoming counties currently fall under the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s recent eviction moratorium extension for communities with substantial or high-level community transmission of COVID-19. The CDC temporary order is in effect from Aug. 3 through Oct. 3, 2021. The affected Wyoming counties listed as substantial or high-level community transmission are identified on the CDC COVID tracker (Click here to see the updated tracker). 

The new CDC order applies only to Wyoming counties listed as substantial or high-level community transmission. To qualify for the protection, renters must provide a signed declaration to their landlord indicating they qualify for the eviction protections. The CDC has created a standardized declaration form that can be downloaded here. “We encourage Wyoming renters who are behind on rent or who believe they are at risk of eviction to submit a declaration to their landlord, apply for emergency rental assistance and, if necessary, seek help from Legal Aid of Wyoming,” said Korin Schmidt, Wyoming Department of Family Services Director.  “Unpaid rent payments have devastating consequences on renters, who need to keep a roof over their head, and landlords, who could face financial trouble,” Schmidt said. “We urge renters and landlords to work together to access the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which has already made over $2 million in payments to landlords.”

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is currently available for eligible renters at risk of eviction due to the inability to make rent payments. The federally funded program launched on April 29 in Wyoming with $180 million available to eligible renters struggling to make rent, internet, and utility payments, as well as housing stability services.  Learn more and apply at dfs.wyo.gov/erap. Community based organizations for in-person application assistance have been set up in every county. (Click here for an updated list) 

As of August 5, ERAP has approved a total of 924 applications, or 30% of submitted applications, paying a total of $2.8M in assistance. Of the rental payments, $2.2M went to landlords, $485K to renters and $211K to utilities.  Additionally, ERAP has provided $1M to Equal Justice Wyoming for legal services to eligible households facing eviction and/or other housing instability. If facing eviction, please contact Legal Aid of Wyoming, which is a sub-recipient of Equal Justice Wyoming. Visit www.lawyoming.org or call 1-877-432-9955 for Legal Aid. 

Legal Aid of Wyoming may be able to provide legal assistance to eligible ERAP renters living in Wyoming:

• Lease agreement advice/negotiation
• Eviction defense 
• Disputes that could lead to eviction
• Financial issues directly related to the home you rent (disputes about security deposits, damages claims, late fees, etc.)
• Issues related to the safety of the home you rent
• Financial matters affecting your ability to maintain or obtain housing such as: debt collection defense, federal benefits (SSI/SSDI), employment matters (FMLA, disability accommodations), and consumer protection actions to obtain tenant funds lost to scams.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an estimated 23,515 Wyoming renters are rent burdened, meaning thirty percent (30%) or more of their income is allocated to rent, and may be eligible for ERAP assistance. According to CDC PULSE Week 33 survey data, 12.9% of Wyoming renter households surveyed reported being behind on their rent. Of those households not current on rent payments, 43% reported being somewhat or very likely to be evicted in the next two months. 

ERAP eligibility requirements include: being a renter in Wyoming or having unpaid rent on a previous Wyoming residence; having a household income of less than 80% of the area’s median income; qualifying for unemployment benefits or being able to show direct or indirect financial loss because of COVID-19; and being at risk of losing housing. 

Eligible households can obtain assistance for unpaid past due rent and utility services incurred after March 13, 2020 – even at a previous residence. Eligible expenses also include unpaid current and future rent (up to three  months at a time) for up to 15 months total of rent and/or utilities. Eligible utility costs include: electricity; energy costs (fuel, oil, propane); water and sewer; and internet service (up to $50 per month). Other eligible expenses, done on a case by case basis, may include reasonable relocation expenses, security deposits, and reasonable late fees.