With the CDC eviction moratorium coming to an end, renters in Cleveland are still left vulnerable, with many waiting on emergency rental assistance to come through. With Pay to Stay protections in place, a landlord may not proceed with the eviction for nonpayment of rent if that renter presents the full rent plus late fees by the time of the eviction hearing.

We know that 1 in 7 evictions lead to homelessness and even more evictions lead to doubling or tripling up with family or friends, which is harmful to families with children. Pay to Stay legislation ensures fairness and recognizes that evictions harm communities, especially black and brown households in Cleveland. Most renters are unrepresented in eviction court, so Pay to Stay gives courts and the community something tangible to turn to during the process. What renters don't know can't help them.