IHCDA COVID-19 update: A message from Jake
There have been a few updates recently at the state and federal level to prevent evictions and foreclosures. At the state level, the Indiana Supreme Court announced a new program aimed at avoiding all types of eviction proceedings. The Landlord and Tenant Settlement Conference Program provides a free avenue for landlords and tenants to reach a mutually beneficial resolution.
This program is a no cost opportunity for landlords and tenants to resolve their dispute outside of court with a neutral facilitator. Possibilities include negotiated payment plans, back payments, or move-out dates—without the legal costs and stigma of an eviction.
More information about the Landlord and Tenant Settlement Conference Program can be found at courts.in.gov/facilitate. I encourage all landlords and tenants to consider this program and continue working together in hopes of avoiding an eviction proceeding.
To highlight programs and tools like the Landlord and Tenant Settlement Conference Program, we will be launching a new informational campaign called “Eviction is the Last Resort.” The focus of this new initiative is to provide resources for both landlords and tenants to better understand their rights and responsibilities. I will share more details about this in the coming weeks.
At the federal level, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) each recently extended their eviction moratoriums to December 31, 2020. These moratoriums cover FHA-insured single-family mortgages, Freddie Mae and Freddie Mac backed single-family mortgages, USDA single-family housing direct and guaranteed loans, and VA-guaranteed loans, respectively.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced a Temporary Halt on Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19 earlier this week. This agency order protects renters across the United States from facing eviction for non-payment until December 31, 2020.
It is important to note that this agency order does not relieve an individual of their obligation to pay rent or comply with their lease agreement. Evictions for any reason other than non-payment can continue. We will provide additional information about this order as we know more.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Stay safe and remember we are #INthistogether.
 J. Jacob Sipe
Executive Director
 
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