Leon County officials say help is needed to keep residents in their homes. A federal moratorium on evictions ends in January. But some residents are already being kicked out of their homes after they lost the protection of a state eviction moratorium back in October.
Leon County resident Titus Stallworth lost his job earlier this year. Finding a new one seemed impossible as the coronavirus pandemic swept across the country. And no paycheck coming in meant Stallworth couldn’t pay his rent.
"I kept putting them off because I couldn’t pay my bills you know I’m just being real about it," said Stallworth.
Governor Ron DeSantis lifted a statewide eviction moratorium in October. Stallworth says he thought he’d be protected under a federal moratorium, but to get those protections renters have to apply and qualify. He was taken by surprise when his landlord said she wanted him out.
"When she said I had until November the ninth to get out I said wait a minute now, I’m a veteran and I served my country in the Persian Gulf War, it’s got to be something somebody can do," said Stallworth." I found nobody."
Stallworth says he had no choice but to move in with his sister. Tallahassee City Commissioner Jack Porter is worried hundreds of more locals could soon face stories like Stallworth’s. A federal moratorium on evictions expires in January. Porter wants the state and federal government to step in and help.
"We are here today to ask that our Governor and our leaders take action to reinstate the eviction moratorium to protect tenants, homeowners, landlords, small and medium-size businesses," said Porter. "To extend the state of emergency plus at least 60 days to allow for a recovery period for our residents."
Porter is also urging Congress to pass a new COVID relief bill.
Stallworth says if nothing happens he could end up living in his car. His sister is facing eviction after the federal moratorium ends.
