When COVID-19 hit the United States with a fury this spring, people found themselves faced with an entirely new set of dilemmas. With jobs closed or work hours significantly reduced, individuals wondered how they would cover expenses such as utilities, food, and housing. Even those with good jobs and secure finances felt their worlds spinning out of control.
In Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Wolf worked to save both renters and homeowners with legislation that blocked evictions. Unfortunately, the moratorium ended on August 31st and renters and homeowners now must face the consequences of months without making payments.
What the Legislature Did
During the coronavirus pandemic, Pennsylvania’s moratorium worked to prevent individuals from being evicted from their homes if they were unable to pay their rent or mortgage. Meanwhile, the state also used some of its federal coronavirus relief money to cover these expenses, providing landlords some of the money they were owed. But now the program is over and landlords and debtors are ready to start collecting missed payments. With Governor Tom Wolf saying that he no longer has the authority to extend the aid, homeowners are bracing themselves for serious consequences.
What This Means for Individuals
With landlords and debtors already behind on their own bills and dissatisfied with the program run throughout the pandemic, court proceedings are already being started to push for evictions. With the legislature only ending on August 31, the courthouses are already seeing swarms of landlords that are rushing to start the process of foreclosures and evictions. Those who rent a home or are making mortgage payments are set to face serious consequences if they are behind on their bills. Lenders and property owners have already been frustrated with the months of no or limited payments and are ready to recoup their losses. With evictions and foreclosures about to run rampant across the state, individuals and families may soon find themselves without a place to call home unless they are prepared to repay the full amount that they owe.
What You Can Do
While this news is disheartening, there is still hope. If you are behind on rent or mortgage payments, now is not the time to give up. Instead, it’s important to embrace reality and take the best steps possible to secure your home. Evictions, sheriff sales, and foreclosures are about to take Pennsylvania by storm, but individuals can shield themselves by taking immediate steps toward a bankruptcy or mortgage modification.
While bankruptcy can seem like a devastating blow, it is often the only way for individuals to regain their financial footing without losing their homes. By talking to a bankruptcy or foreclosure lawyer now, you can learn how a bankruptcy can help you hold onto your home while getting a more manageable payment plan in place – if not get rid of your debt.
COVID19 already robbed our country of enough of its well-being. Don’t let it rob you and your family of your financial freedom and your home. With the use of bankruptcy, you can get back on track and see a brighter future
The attorneys at Sadek Bankruptcy Law Offices have handled thousands of Bankruptcy cases in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties of Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, and Chester. We are also licensed in the State of New Jersey. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation at 215-545-0008, or fill out the below form and we will be in touch with you shortly.