Sign on N. 3rd and Kelker streets.
Harrisburg residents behind on rent are safe for another month.
Mayor Eric Papenfuse extended the city’s ban on evictions for tenants affected by the pandemic for another 30 days, through mid-April.
“This extension of the eviction moratorium will continue to help protect our residents during these challenging times,” Papenfuse said in a statement.
The city initially enacted the moratorium on Dec. 16, responding to what they feared could become a homelessness crisis. This is the third extension of the declaration, so far.
The ban protects those who are unable to pay rent and those whose lease has expired. Anyone facing eviction for other reasons, such as property damage or criminal activity, is not included under the moratorium and can still be evicted.
The city has the power to fine non-compliant landlords up to $10,000 or 90 days in jail.
Additionally, a nationwide halt on evictions by the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is in place through March 31.
The moratoriums do not, however, take away landlords’ rights to receive payment and renters may still be expected to pay once the eviction bans end.
Recently, Dauphin County officials announced their plan to address this proactively. They said that the county would receive up to $18 million in state and federal CARES Rent Relief Program funds that they would distribute to tenants in need. Under this program, renters can receive up to 12 months of rental and utility assistance.
Additionally, the city is in the process of issuing $500,000 in federal Emergency Shelter Grant COVID (ESG/CV) funds to Harrisburg residents behind on rent.
Papenfuse said previously that the city will continue to extend the eviction moratorium while the state’s public health emergency continues.
For questions or concerns related to Harrisburg’s eviction moratorium, email codes@harrisburgpa.gov or call the city’s hotline, 3-1-1.
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