Federal Shutdown Threatens Rental Assistance Program

Suzy Khimm and Laura Strickler report:

Federal contracts for more than 1,000 government-funded properties that house low-income renters have already expired as a result of the government shutdown, which could delay critical repairs and place poor families at risk of eviction, advocates and landlords say.

"About 1,150 contracts with private landlords have expired since the shutdown began on Dec. 22," which "represents about 5 percent of all contracts for a federal Section 8 program known as Project-Based Rental Assistance, which subsidizes rent and utilities for 1.2 million low-income families, including many who are elderly or disabled."

More than 1,000 additional contracts could expire by February if the shutdown persists.

The article includes more details on the potential measures that can be taken to prevent evictions, as well additional consequences of the shutdown for federal housing assistance programs.