Governor Whitmer extends moratorium on evictions until July 15

LANSING, Mich.—On Friday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order that extends the moratorium on evictions until July 15.

Executive Order 2020-134 also creates an Eviction Diversion Program, which outlines a process for renters to acquire fast rental assistance or establish a payment plan.

Rental assistance under the diversion program will be available starting July 16.

Under the new order, $50 million in rental assistance will be made available via lump sum payments to landlords in exchange for allowing tenants to remain in their homes, forgiving late fees and up to 10% of the amount due.

Tenants who have back rent and it is not completely covered under the diversion program can be entered into payments plans facilitated under Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-17.

“No Michigander should have to worry about losing their home during a global health pandemic and, at the same time, landlords and management companies need rent from their tenants to sustain their businesses,” Whitmer said in a press release on Friday. “This innovative new program will save lives, save money, and save businesses by keeping families in their homes and providing immediate financial relief to landlords for back rent they’re due.”