June 13, 2020
Prohibition on Evictions Ends July 1
The Governor has announced that Emergency Order 4, which among other things prohibited owners of non-restricted property and restricted property from initiating eviction proceedings, will terminate on July 1. However, for eviction notices issued since March 17, 2020, the landlord must provide at least 30 days notice to vacate the premises. The order does not apply to eviction notices issued before March 17, 2020.
Recognizing that many tenants are challenged in paying rents due to COVID-19, the Governor has also authorized $35 million from the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund to support those in need of housing assistance as a result of COVID-19. Of the allocated $35 million, $20 million will be initially expended, with $15 million being held in reserve, for rent stabilization and housing support. All initial disbursement of funds will be available through New Hampshire’s five Community Action Program (CAP) agencies.
The program has two components: one-time assistance grants and a short-term rental assistance program.
The one-time assistance grants cannot exceed $5,000 and can be used to assist households with:
- Past-due rent from April 2020 forward for households that fell behind on rent due to either increased household expenses or lost household revenue as a result to COVID-19;
- Past-due housing/household related expenses that may impact an individual’s/families’ ability to remain housed; and/or
- Other housing related one-time expenses that if not paid impact the ability to maintain housing.
The short-term rental assistance to maintain or secure permanent housing includes assistance for:
- Past-due rent that was not paid due to a COVID-19 related inability to pay and ongoing rental assistance on a short term basis. The rental assistance will decrease over time as households regain stability; or
- First month’s rent and ongoing short-term rental assistance to assist with initial costs to facilitate the transition of working households from shelters into permanent housing.
Program payments will be made directly to the landlord or provider, and this program will end by December 30, 2020.
For additional assistance:
- Contact the local CAP agency.
- Contact 2-1-1, dial 211 from any NH phone, or call 1.866.444.4211.
- Contact the DHHS Bureau of Housing Supports, 271-9196, or via email.