Indiana’s pause on evictions has been extended through June 4, and that means the state has one more month to create and implement a COVID-19 housing security policy response to ensure no Hoosier is evicted or becomes homeless due to the pandemic.

Governor Eric Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-25 announced on May 1 extended the eviction/foreclosure moratorium on residential real estate or property, whether rental or otherwise, until June 4. In Section 1 of Executive Order 20-06 (the initial ‘eviction pause’) the Governor issued a moratorium on the initiation of eviction or foreclosure actions “…for the duration of the state of emergency. In Section 1 of the new Executive Order 20-25 the Governor extended the public health disaster emergency to June 4. which is 30 days beyond the most recent expiration date of May 5.

Under current state guidance, renters who are still having issues with their landlords should first consult IHCDA’s Coronavirus Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention Guide which provides a FAQ section and encourages renters to seek a payment plan with landlords. Renters should also consult a summary of their rights as a tenant from Indiana Legal Services, Inc. and may also file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office to report potentially unlawful evictions.

The extended pause on evictions is good news because Indiana doesn’t yet have a policy response for when the moratorium is finally lifted. An estimated surge of 43,800 low-income Hoosier renter households will need emergency housing assistance due to the pandemic. Indiana’s federal, state, and community leaders must pledge that those families aren’t evicted or made homeless.

That’s where you come in. Prosperity Indiana and a group of housing security advocates have formed the Hoosier Housing Needs Coalition and released a set of policy recommendations, but we need to hear your voice. Please reach out to hoosierhousingneeds@prosperityindiana.org and let us know:

• What eviction efforts or new housing insecurity problems have you heard of during the COVID-19 crisis?
• What short-term emergency rental assistance efforts are you aware of in your area?
• How can you help share the message of the Hoosier Housing Needs Coalition with your policymakers?

With your help, we will work to make sure Indiana delivers an equitable housing security policy related to COVID-19 response and recovery.