Eviction Moratorium Supreme Court Invalidates CDC Eviction Moratorium, Millions of Renters Immediately at Risk

The Supreme Court, in an unsigned opinion, ruled (6-3) on August 26 to end the temporary stay on a lower court ruling seeking to overturn the federal eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on August 3. In doing so, the Supreme Court’s ruling invalidates the federal eviction moratorium, eliminating vital eviction protections that have kept millions of households stably housed. The Supreme Court decision undermines historic efforts by Congress and the White House to ensure housing stability during the pandemic. State and local governments are working to improve programs to distribute emergency rental assistance (ERA) to those in need, but they need more time; the Supreme Court’s decision will lead to many renters, predominantly people of color, losing their homes before the assistance can reach them.