Lexington landlords urged to hold off on evictions ahead of moratorium lift

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The decision on whether to evict tenants unable to pay rent will soon be up to landlords across the country.

Starting Sunday, the CDC’s eviction moratorium expires, but before then, Lexington housing officials urged landlords to hold off.

Dozens of landlords in the city came out to a meeting Tuesday and aired a variety of grievances. One thing most say is the money is coming too slowly.

Property Manager Kathy Gibson and Landlord Ron Johnson were at the forum. They said out of their 70 tenants, 58 aren’t paying and they’re frustrated with being told to be patient.

“They’ve had a whole year of getting what they want, and now it’s time for us to get paid and we have to go through all these hoops and stuff in reference to us getting paid,” Johnson said.

Housing Director Jonathan Wright said he understands the frustration, and expects the system to run more smoothly and quickly from now on.

Catholic Action Center director Ginny Ramsey said she hopes landlords can wait a bit longer so the city’s homeless population doesn’t increase.

“If nothing else, we’re calling them to the sense of community because they see that we’re all in this together, and we do need that extra 30 days, possibly,” Ramsey said.

She said, though she’s hopeful, she expects a lot of evictions soon.