(Cheyenne, WY) – The majority of Wyoming counties currently fall under the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s recent eviction moratorium extension for communities with substantial or high-level community transmission of COVID-19.
The CDC temporary order is in effect from Aug. 3 through Oct. 3, 2021. The affected Wyoming counties listed as substantial or high-level community transmission are identified on the CDC COVID tracker (Click here to see the updated tracker).
The new CDC order applies only to Wyoming counties listed as substantial or high-level community transmission. To qualify for the protection, renters must provide a signed declaration to their landlord indicating they qualify for the eviction protections. The CDC has created a standardized declaration form that can be downloaded here.
“We encourage Wyoming renters who are behind on rent or who believe they are at risk of eviction to submit a declaration to their landlord, apply for emergency rental assistance and, if necessary, seek help from Legal Aid of Wyoming,” said Korin Schmidt, Wyoming Department of Family Services Director.
Fremont County residents can learn more and apply at dfs.wyo.gov/erap. If you need assistance with applying, First Stop Help Center in Lander is the local assistance location. Their address is 860 S 3rd and their phone number is (307) 349-2173.
If you live on the Wind River Reservation, you are eligible for assistance through the Tribal ERAP programs: Eastern Shoshone ERAP & Northern Arapaho ERAP.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is currently available for eligible renters at risk of eviction due to the inability to make rent payments. The federally funded program launched on April 29th in Wyoming with $180 million available to eligible renters struggling to make rent, internet, and utility payments, as well as housing stability services.
ERAP eligibility requirements include: being a renter in Wyoming or having unpaid rent on a previous Wyoming residence; having a household income of less than 80% of the area’s median income; qualifying for unemployment benefits or being able to show direct or indirect financial loss because of COVID-19; and being at risk of losing housing.
Eligible households can obtain assistance for unpaid past due rent and utility services incurred after March 13th, 2020 – even at a previous residence. Eligible expenses also include unpaid current and future rent (up to three months at a time) for up to 15 months total of rent and/or utilities.
Eligible utility costs include: electricity; energy costs (fuel, oil, propane); water and sewer; and internet service (up to $50 per month). Other eligible expenses, done on a case by case basis, may include reasonable relocation expenses, security deposits, and reasonable late fees.