As Eviction Moratorium Expires in NH, Senator Hassan Urges Additional Support to Renters Amid Ongoing Economic Challenges

Press Release

U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan urged the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help assist renters following the lifting of New Hampshire's eviction moratorium today. The Senator's outreach follows conversations with affordable housing leaders in New Hampshire about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the state's housing and homelessness needs.

"Across the country, many individuals and families -- especially those who have lost their jobs or had their pay cut during this crisis -- are struggling to pay their rent," Senator Hassan wrote in her letter to HUD Secretary Ben Carson. "As state and local moratoriums on evictions are lifted in the days and weeks ahead, including today in my state of New Hampshire, it is more essential than ever that the Department continue to work with renters to ensure that they can maintain safe and stable rental housing."

Senator Hassan continued, "Moreover, given the ongoing economic downturn, I am seriously concerned that many of these renters will struggle to meet rent and back-rent obligations once eviction moratoriums end. In New Hampshire, estimates suggest that between 10 percent and 20 percent of renters have missed their payments, with concerns that these numbers will increase."

In her letter, Senator Hassan asks HUD to help facilitate tenant-landlord mediations, an eviction prevention strategy that the Senator championed in her Prevent Evictions Act -- legislation backed by Matthew Desmond, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book Evicted. The Senator also asks the Department what measures it is taking to ensure that renters are informed of their rights under federal law.

Senator Hassan has long worked to expand affordable housing in New Hampshire and prevent homelessness and evictions, especially now as the COVID-19 pandemic has strained many renters and homeowners' ability to make housing payments due to a loss of income. Senator Hassan joined the rest of the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation in announcing that the bipartisan CARES Act sent $11.7 million and $3.6 million to New Hampshire to expand the state's affordable housing and assist its homeless population. Senator Hassan also joined her colleagues in introducing legislation to establish an Emergency Rental Assistance program to provide $100 billion in emergency rental assistance to help families and individuals pay their rent and remain housed during and after the COVID-19 crisis.

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