Pennsylvania extends moratorium on evictions, foreclosures
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday extended a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions by another two months, saying residents should not have to worry about losing their homes during the pandemic.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court first suspended evictions in March, but its order is set to expire Monday. Wolf signed an executive order Thursday extending the moratorium to July 10.
“No one should have to worry about losing their home during this health emergency,” Wolf said at a video news conference. “This executive order takes one more burden off people who are struggling and gives them more time to get back on their feet.”
Wolf noted that renters and homeowners are still required to make monthly payments.
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, meanwhile, has stopped foreclosures and evictions and is allowing homeowners with a PHFA mortgage to pause payments if they are having financial trouble because of the virus outbreak.
Marlynn Orlando, the CEO of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association, said her organization typically dislikes government mandates but understands why Wolf issued the order.
Her organization had already been recommending to its members — mostly larger apartment complex owners — that they hold off on evictions until at least July 15, a date set by the federal emergency relief bill for property owners with Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae-backed mortgages who wanted to postpone mortgage payments.
Wolf also said during the press conference that he would announce the next round of county openings on Friday.