Fulton County is bringing the court system into the rental assistance process, following the example of other counties. But the programs’ first day shows the challenge of preventing evictions with the federal funds.
Previously, tenants had to apply online or by phone. However, Chief Magistrate Judge Cassandra Kirk said her court noticed many of the applications Fulton received didn’t involve active eviction cases.
The court still hears dozens of cases every week, even though the Biden administration extended a nationwide moratorium on evictions for nonpayment of rent on Aug. 3. Tenants only qualify if they sign a declaration saying they lost income due to COVID-19. Many don’t sign it. In court, judges don’t tell those renters about the moratorium or the form.
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