Landlords who were barred from evicting tenants during COVID are in settlement talks with DOJ to recoup as much as $1.5 billion
More than 1,500 landlords are in settlement talks with the Justice Department to recoup up to $1.5 billion after a federal eviction moratorium cost them millions.Summary
More than 1,500 landlords, including Matthew Haines, have filed a federal lawsuit arguing that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's eviction moratorium violated their Fifth Amendment rights by denying them compensation. After winning on appeal, the plaintiffs are now in settlement discussions with the Justice Department, seeking up to $1.5 billion to recoup losses. The moratorium, which lasted from September 2020 through July 2021, was among the most divisive pandemic policies. Landlords argue the ban devastated their businesses, forcing them into debt and layoffs, while tenant advocates maintain it was a lifesaver that kept millions housed. The Justice Department declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Despite the moratorium ending five years ago, landlords say its fallout persists, with stricter tenant screening and longer eviction processes.
(Source：Fortune)