Eviction cases expected to surge after federal moratorium lifted

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Some central Kentucky courts say they expect a surge soon in eviction cases after the federal moratorium on evictions ended over the weekend. This means landlords can now evict tenants for not paying rent.

Monday was the first day in 17 months landlords could file financial eviction cases in district courts. Clark County District Court says it hasn’t seen a surge in cases filed on the first day, but it does expect to see an increase soon.

“I think it’s early right now since it just expired a couple days ago,” says Wade McNabb, 1st District Fayette County Constable. “I anticipate in the next couple weeks we might see an uptick in some eviction filings but right now it’s just kinda too early to really tell.”

“I think our bigger entities like apartment complexes and different larger groups of ownership will probably be coming in to do probably several,” says Martha Miller, Clark County Circuit Clerk. “They said they were going to be bringing in stacks of them.”

Even though constables and courts are preparing for many eviction cases, landlords say they are not aiming to put people out on the street. The Catholic Action Center in Lexington says it understands that being a landlord is a business and in order to operate, landlords need their income.

“We have great respect for the landlords and we’re asking them to stretch just a little bit more and for the city to speed up more,” says Ginny Ramsey, director of the Catholic Action Center.

Financial help is still available for renters in need. The KY Housing Association says since March, $33 million has been paid out to landlords, utility providers and tenants. This week alone the KY Housing Association is estimating to pay out over $3 million.

Rent assistance programs similar to that in Lexington are available in other areas. Renters can ask their local service organizations for information on the help available.