ACLU-WV wants all evictions halted during during coronavirus pandemic

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia said it is sending a letter to Gov. Jim Justice asking him to expand a statewide moratorium to halt every stage of the eviction process during the coronavirus pandemic.

A news release from the ACLU-WV said they are requesting that the governor continue to prevent mass evictions during and after the pandemic and apply the moratorium to all types of tenants and lease violations.

The organization also is asking him to prohibit the collection of late fees and retaliation against tenants who assert their rights under the moratorium.

"The Covid-19 crisis has created significant hardships for all renters, and the burden will likely fall primarily on women and black West Virginians,” ACLU-WV Policy Director Eli Baumwell said. “The existing moratorium on court actions does not go far enough in protecting them, and the lifting of that moratorium and other restrictions has the potential to create a housing crisis unless protections are put in place now."

ACLU affiliates around the country are sending letters to local elected officials urging them to issue or expand a temporary statewide ban against evictions and utility shutoffs.