CAPE CORAL, Fla -- June is just around the corner. The start of the month brings a lot of anxiety for many renters still struggling to rebound from the pandemic. In just days, the governor's suspension on evictions is set to expire. So we looked into resources to help keep a roof over your head during these uncertain times.
Despite the country taking steps to reopen, data shows more people are struggling to pay their housing cost. That's according to recent numbers from Apartment List, which showed 31% of Americans were unable to make their full housing payment this month.
To make matters worse in Florida, the governor's order which suspends all evictions during the pandemic, is set to expire June 2. So the clock is ticking for renters who fear they could be kicked out of their homes in a matter of days.
Even with the order in place, we've watched some landlords try to evict people. A legal expert told our sister station in Tampa, he fears that could mean a flood of tenants could soon find themselves on the streets.
"A lot of these cases are potentially at that point where they've already moved quite along and its just a matter of going to the sheriff and getting a 48 hour notice posted on your front door," said Tom Difiore, Team L Leader for Bay Area Legal Services.
Fox 4's commitment to you with The Rebound Southwest Florida is to give you solutions, rather than just tell you about the problems many are facing.
So if you are facing eviction due to the pandemic, legal experts say to try to negotiate a payment plan or settlement with your landlord. According to the above mentioned Apartment List data, of the people who weren't able to pay their full housing cost this month, only about 40% said they had made some sort of arrangement.
On this website you'll find a letter that you can give to your landlord, informing them that you can't pay rent and that evictions are likely barred under the federal stimulus.
At least 3,000 people have used these letters in the last four weeks.
