Ban on evictions, foreclosures in Pa. extended until Aug. 31

Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday extended a moratorium on evictions amid the covid-19 pandemic until Aug. 31, protecting renters and homeowners who are unable to pay their rent or mortgage from losing their homes.

Wolf originally signed an executive order pausing evictions earlier this year as millions of Pennsylvanians lost their jobs because of the shutdown brought on by the pandemic. The extension will prevent a crush of eviction proceedings predicted by attorneys and housing groups.

Applications opened Monday for mortgage and rent assistance through a new $175 million program through the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Authority. Lenders and property owners who receive funds through the program agree not to pursue foreclosure or eviction as a condition of the program.

Residents must meet certain income guidelines to qualify.

“I am taking this action to help families know they will have a roof over their heads and a place to live while all of us fight the covid-19 pandemic,” Wolf said in a statement. “It takes one more burden off of people who are struggling and ensures that families can remain in their homes so they can protect their health and well-being.”

The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania applauded the move.

“Today’s action protects those who are one paycheck away from homelessness and further supports Pennsylvania’s recovery efforts by stabilizing the housing sector,” said Phyllis Chamberlain, executive director of the alliance.

“The Governor’s foreclosure/eviction moratorium is in line with servicing guidance published by agencies that purchase/insure/guaranty mortgage loans,” said

Jeff Acquafondata, president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of SWPA. “Housing is essential. We hope efforts to stabilize the housing sector will also ensure that creditworthy borrowers are able to purchase homes and refinance existing mortgage loans without significant impediments added to the process.”

Other agencies also have extended eviction and foreclosure protections until Aug. 31, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal Housing Finance agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Staff writer Renatta Signorini contributed to this report.