Eviction Proceedings To Resume In Texas

TOPLINE

Texas is set to end a freeze on evictions and debt collections, even as almost 2 million of its residents have claimed unemployment over the past two months.

KEY FACTS

KEY BACKGROUND

In March, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott applauded the court’s order, saying it “offers a lifeline to many Texans who are beginning to feel the economic impact of COVID-19.”

Many states around the country put similar orders in place, but some — like Texas — plan to end those protections.

In South Carolina, foreclosures and eviction proceedings resumed Friday, while Republican Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced that state’s suspension on evictions would come to an end June 1. 

Meanwhile, Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday evictions in his state would not resume until at least June 2, while Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently extended the eviction moratorium there all the way through Aug. 20.

CRITICAL QUOTE

“The state’s trying to reopen. and we’re are all going to have to deal fully with the hard issues that we face,” Texas Chief Justice Nathan Hecht said, in a quote that appeared in the Austin American-Statesman. “These issues are hard on everyone — tenants, landlords, society, everyone.”

BIG NUMBER

Over 6 million — That’s how many Texans rent their place of residence, according to the Texas Apartment Association.

TANGENT

Texas reported its largest single-day increase in coronavirus cases and deaths Thursday, with cases rising by 1,448 and the death toll climbing by 58.

FURTHER READING

Eviction proceedings and debt collections can resume this month, Texas Supreme Court orders (Texas Tribune)

Stay on evictions in SC set to end Friday. Housing attorneys have concerns (The State)

Coronavirus in Texas: State reports largest daily increases in cases and deaths (Texas Tribune)

Texas Coronavirus Deaths Spike As Cities Lag State Drive To Reopen (Forbes)