Council set to amend city eviction moratorium

Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to amend the city’s eviction moratorium to provide “clarifying language” for landlords seeking to file against tenants as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Councilwoman Deb Gross introduced the revisions last week, which more clearly define who can be evicted and reduce the fines for landlords who violate the law.

The moratorium bans landlords from evicting tenants or from refusing to renew lease agreements for unpaid rent due to pandemic-related income loss or increased medical expenses.

Ms. Gross said during Tuesday’s meeting that many public comments and emails she has received from community members express concern the language of the moratorium has not been adequately enforced since its passage, and so hopes the amendments to the bill will make it more enforceable in the future.

“What I’m seeking through these amendments is something that is enforceable, in order to help the eviction rate go down,” Ms. Gross said.

Under the amendments, landlords who evict without “good cause” can receive a fine of up to $1,000, or $2,500 in cases where

children are living in the household — a decrease from the $10,000 fine approved in the original ordinance. The amendments also remove language prohibiting landlords from refusing to renew a lease agreement.

Council passed the moratorium on March 2 in an attempt to temporarily limit evictions within city limits.

Just a few days after it was passed, the Landlord Services Bureau, based in North Huntingdon, filed suit against the city, claiming that the ordinance exceeds the powers granted to the city by state law. The lawsuit seeks to have the eviction moratorium declared illegal and unconstitutional. It also asks for an injunction barring its enforcement in the meantime.

The moratorium is set to expire once the city lifts its COVID-19 emergency declaration. A spokesperson for Mayor Bill Peduto said it is unclear when the city intends to end the declaration.

Councilman Bruce Kraus on Tuesday voiced his support for the amendments, which he called “technical in nature.”

“The mission before us is to provide for the prevention of eviction,” Mr. Kraus said. “Keeping the ordinance from being challenged gives us the power to enact, which gives us the power to enforce.”