Senator Will Smith says Maryland's halt on evictions should extend beyond August 15

Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Chair Will Smith Thursday called for an extension of the state’s eviction pause deadline for residents and tenants that are unable to pay rent due to the pandemic.

Smith’s remarks come the very day the state of emergency that Gov. Larry Hogan declared in March 2020 is set to end. However, Maryland’s eviction protections, which some have classified as a moratorium, are not set to expire until Aug. 15.

They require that defendants prove that their inability to pay rent is the direct result of the pandemic.

The federal moratorium on evictions, which was recently upheld by the Supreme Court, is set to expire on July 31. It had previously been scheduled to expire on June 30.

“We certainly could use more time for those struggling renters to get back on their feet and meet financial obligations ranging from everything from credit cards, car payments, and rent,” Smith, D-Montgomery, told MarylandReporter.com. “It is probably not enough time. We would certainly like to see a little bit more.”

Read more: https://marylandreporter.com/2021/07/01/sen-smith-says-marylands-halt-on-evictions-should-extend-beyond-aug-15/