You are still obligated to pay rent and must file a declaration form to your landlord to be covered under the order. (NNS file photo by Aaron Maybin)

We reported earlier this week that some Milwaukee housing advocates and landlords were optimistic that struggling tenants would get more financial relief this year.

And it looks like they were right.

Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, announced Thursday that the federal order to temporarily halt evictions will be extended to March 31.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a historic threat to our nation’s health,” she said in a news release. “It has also triggered a housing affordability crisis that disproportionately affects some communities.”

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The initial emergency order to halt residential evictions was meant to go through Dec 31 and then extended through January. (Here is a link to a document that explains more about the order in detail.)

As explained in previous articles, tenants are still obligated to pay rent and must file a declaration form to your landlord to be covered under the order.

Resources to consult if you’re worried about eviction

• Community Advocates rent helpline: 414-270-4646
• Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee: 414-727-5300
• Mediate Milwaukee: 414-939-8800
• Legal Action of Wisconsin: 855-947-2529
• Social Development Commission: 414-906-2700

We need your help

Throughout the pandemic, Milwaukee NNS has been covering housing, evictions and rent assistance with the goal of keeping our readers informed.

We have spoken to housing advocates, landlords, tenants and even lawyers. Now we want to speak to those who have gone through evictions.

If you or anyone you know would like to share your story, please email princesssafiya.byers@marquette.edu.

Here are other stories on this topic

Milwaukee housing advocates prepare for end of federal eviction moratorium

‘Rent is still due’: What you need to know about the federal order to halt residential evictions

A Milwaukee County program has prevented over 1,000 evictions. But as 2021 approaches, money’s running out.

‘Nowhere to go’: Wisconsin renters face evictions as emergency aid falls short

Check out our Instagram Story on “Milwaukee resources to help you avoid evictions.”

Help is just a text away with our News414 project with our friends from Wisconsin Watch and Outlier Media. Text MILWAUKEE to 73224 to see how it works.