The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is authorized to aid local agencies in “enforcement of Federal quarantine rules and regulations, including in the enforcement of this Order.”

If landlords seek to evict tenants who are covered under the order, the penalties are especially stiff. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) could impose fines of as much as $500,000 and even jail time. 

Why is the CDC involved in tenant issues?

The CDC is using a valid concept that the order will serve as an “effective public health measure” to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For months, housing advocates have warned that a mass eviction crisis could force thousands of Americans out of their homes and onto the streets or into crowded shelters. This would most likely lead to an acceleration of the spread of the coronavirus. The order also said that  “housing stability helps protect public health.”

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