Evictions and foreclosures in Wisconsin have been suspended amid the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The temporary ban was issued March 27 by Gov. Tony Evers and Andrea Palm, secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, according to a news release.
The order prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for any reason unless failure to proceed with the eviction will result in an imminent threat of serious physical harm to another person. It also prohibits mortgage lenders from commencing civil action to foreclose on real estate for 60 days. Wisconsinites who are able to continue to meet their financial obligations are urged to do so. The order does not relieve a person's obligation to pay their rent or mortgages, the news release said.
“During this time individuals, families and small businesses may see disruptions in paychecks due to losing hours, tips, business or employment. This is another step we can take to prioritize the health and safety of Wisconsinites during this public health emergency,” Evers said in the statement.
Evictions and foreclosures pose a direct and serious threat to the health and well-being of Wisconsinites, he said. They prevent people from being able to stay in their homes and avoid possible contact with infected people.
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"Ensuring they are able to keep a roof over their heads and those in social services can prioritize assisting those who currently do not have shelter is critically important," Evers said.
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