LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i residents are urged to prepare for the end of the state’s eviction moratorium which expires on Friday, Aug. 6.
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i residents are urged to prepare for the end of the state’s eviction moratorium which expires on Friday, Aug. 6.
The moratorium which has been in place since April 2020, has prevented landlords from evicting renters who fell behind on payments. After Aug. 6, landlords will again have the right to evict tenants who have not paid their rent, while also following a new state law that has made significant changes to the landlord-tenant code.
The recently adopted Act 57 gives renters the right to mediation and more time to seek assistance before eviction. Additionally, the courts can only consider summary possession cases for those owing four months of back rent or more. After Aug. 6, landlords can notify tenants that they will begin the eviction process if they do not schedule a mediation session within 15 days of the notice or pay the rent.
For more information about Kaua‘i’s mediation program, please call the Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity Mediation Program at (808) 245-4077, extension 29 or extension 237. You may also email mediation@keoinc.org for assistance.
“We want our residents to know that there is still time to seek help, and resources are available,” Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami said in a press release. “We are working together with our partner agencies and service providers to keep people in their homes after the eviction moratorium expires. Please consider these resources, know your rights, and seek assistance if needed.”
Applications are still being accepted for Kaua‘i’s Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance program. Eligible applicants may receive up to $4,500 per month for rent and no cap per month for qualifying utilities. For more information, visit KauaiRentHelp.com/home.
