The distinction between federal action and actions by state or local government on this issue is important.
My understanding is that evictions are ordinarily almost entirely a matter of state and local law. As just one example, here’s a description of the eviction process in California—https://www.courts.ca.gov/27701.htm .
Beyond the principle of remaining consistent with historical division of responsibility between federal and state governments, there is also the reality that economic conditions vary considerably from state to state. As of July, reported state unemployment rates ranged from a low of 4.5% in Utah to a high of 16.1% in Massachusetts ( https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm ). Emergency government action regarding evictions that makes sense, on balance, in Massachusetts may be poor policy in Utah. It’s therefore reasonable to leave this decision with state and local governments, which have the power to take actions (or not) in response to their differing situations.
Currently living in the South, I can tell you that most states here are not actually responding to their situations and are ideologically incapable of doing so.
The distinction between federal action and actions by state or local government on this issue is important.
My understanding is that evictions are ordinarily almost entirely a matter of state and local law. As just one example, here’s a description of the eviction process in California—https://www.courts.ca.gov/27701.htm .
State and local governments can put a moratorium on evictions or otherwise delay evictions, and many did so earlier this year—https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/emergency-bans-on-evictions-and-other-tenant-protections-related-to-coronavirus.html .
Beyond the principle of remaining consistent with historical division of responsibility between federal and state governments, there is also the reality that economic conditions vary considerably from state to state. As of July, reported state unemployment rates ranged from a low of 4.5% in Utah to a high of 16.1% in Massachusetts ( https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm ). Emergency government action regarding evictions that makes sense, on balance, in Massachusetts may be poor policy in Utah. It’s therefore reasonable to leave this decision with state and local governments, which have the power to take actions (or not) in response to their differing situations.
Currently living in the South, I can tell you that most states here are not actually responding to their situations and are ideologically incapable of doing so.