COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act Signed into Law by Governor Pritzker

No one should fear losing their home, especially during a deadly pandemic. 

On May 17, 2021 Illinois Governor Pritzker signed HB 2877, the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act, into law. The COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act will address the housing crisis caused by the pandemic by creating protective measures for renters, homeowners, and small landlords across Illinois.

This law ensures that people with the lowest incomes and most severe housing needs can access emergency rental assistance funds by eliminating unnecessary barriers to assistance for struggling renters and landlords.

The law also seals eviction records to protect renters from the permanent consequences of an eviction record and puts protections in place to prohibit tenant screening companies from disseminating the sealed eviction court record. The foreclosure moratorium adds stability for renters whose landlords have fallen behind and gives small landlords and homeowners time to work with their lenders to get back on their feet. The legislation also enables the swift and equitable distribution of the $1.5 billion in federally funded rental assistance provided to Illinois.

The Shriver Center on Poverty Law, in partnership with Housing Action Illinois, Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, and legislative champions, advocated for the passage of the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act from the onset of the pandemic.

This law will help thousands of renters, landlords, and homeowners across the state of Illinois from the economic fallout from the pandemic.

Send an email to Governor Pritzker now to thank him for supporting housing protections across Illinois.