Governor Tom Wolf on Thursday signed a new executive order that protects homeowners and renters from eviction or foreclosure until Aug. 31.
The measure protects homeowners and renters if they have not received assistance from a new program administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) or are not already receiving relief through federal foreclosure moratorium programs or judicial orders.
The governor previously signed an executive order suspending evictions and foreclosures, which expires Friday.
“I am taking this action to help families know they will have a roof over their heads and a place to live while all of us fight the covid-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Wolf. “It takes one more burden off of people who are struggling and ensures that families can remain in their homes so they can protect their health and wellbeing.”
Under the order, lenders and property owners that receive funds through the PHFA program agree not pursue foreclosure or eviction actions as a condition of participation in the program.
The governor signed legislation in May providing $150 million for rental assistance and $25 million for mortgage assistance through PHFA with CARES Act funds. PHFA began accepting applications July 6.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal Housing Finance Agency, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have each extended eviction and foreclosure protections for housing under their authority to Aug. 31.
In almost all circumstances, renters and homeowners are required to continue making monthly payments if they can, officials said. Pennsylvanians struggling to make monthly payments should contact their landlord or mortgage servicer immediately.
Eligibility information and applications for renters and homeowners is available on the PHFA website.
So is Gov Milktoast also gonna exempt rental property owners from paying their mortgages, and mortgage lenders from paying bond holders?