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St Paul (KROC AM News) - A significant pandemic-related deadline has arrived for millions around the country but it’s not affecting Minnesotans.

A nationwide moratorium that prevented landlords from evicting tenants who were behind in their rent expired Saturday.

Congress failed to extend the moratorium, which was sought by several organizations.

Tenants Demonstrate Against Developer Led Evictions In Apartment Building
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Tenants Demonstrate Against Developer Led Evictions In Apartment Building
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eviction moratorium was in effect since September. Earlier moratoriums were enacted by states and other government agencies.

But Minnesotan renters who were facing possible eviction were given a reprieve last month when the legislature and Gov. Walz agreed on a financial assistance plan.

Minnesota renters who are eligible for federal emergency rental assistance are protected from eviction for nonpayment of rent while an application for assistance is pending. This protection is in place until June 1 next year.

Here is the announcement from Minnesota Housing:
At this time, only renters who have had a material violation of their lease or who are eligible for rental assistance but refuse to apply may be evicted. Minnesota renters who are not eligible for emergency rental assistance and who owe back rent are protected from eviction until September 12.

“I want renters to understand that the end of the federal eviction moratorium does not affect Minnesotans. Minnesota has its own timeline,” said Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho. “We know many renters are hurting, and property owners are too. We encourage renters and property owners to go to RenthelpMN.org and work together to apply for emergency rental assistance. We have the funds to help pay back rent and three months of future rent.”

Renters can apply for rental assistance or learn more about the application process by visiting RentHelpMN.org or calling Greater Twin Cities United Way’s 211 Resource Helpline (Toll Free: 1.800.543.7709; Local: 651.291.0211). The 211 helpline has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions about RentHelpMN COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

To date, RentHelpMN has distributed more than $26.5 million to cover overdue rent and utilities. A dashboard of the RentHelpMN program can be found on Minnesota Housing’s website.

Renters with questions about their rights can visit LawHelpMN.org for additional information and legal resources.

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