Gov.’s Response is Out of Touch with Working Families Suddenly Without Their Paychecks

BISMARCK, ND — Today the governor declined to issue a moratorium on evictions, foreclosures, and rental fees, despite calls from grassroots organizers, nonprofit advocates, and the Dem-NPL. His decision does not end the effort to aid those who are most affected by the pandemic’s economic disruptions.

Without a moratorium on evictions, rental fees, and foreclosures, some landlords will begin issuing three-day notices that convince some tenants to leave their homes without anywhere to go. Rental fees and penalties will begin to accrue for people who have no options, putting them at risk of debt long after the disaster is over.

There is still time for the governor to listen on the moratorium, but other policy considerations should include rent assistance for tenants who are suddenly unemployed and bridge loans or grants for landlords who offer flexibility to struggling tenants.

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said:

“The governor just said he expects working families to absorb the entire cost of the economic fall-out. Rent is due in two days and people aren’t getting paid. It’s not their fault, and they can be kicked out of their homes with only three days notice. At best, late fees will pile up that could set them back for years. The governor, who is a landlord himself, just told North Dakotans he has no understanding of the challenges they’re facing.”

###