Texas AG advising local governments to stop delaying evictions due to the pandemic

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says local governments should not stop or delay evictions due to the pandemic. His comments are raising questions if that's a possibility in Travis county.

Shoshana Krieger with BASTA, a local non-profit advocating renters rights, says for families facing eviction it's not time to panic just yet. "Tenants for very good reason don't want the headache of what will come, they're scared," she said.

Since March, there has been more than 400 evictions filed in Travis County -- but Austin Mayor Steve Adler has halted all eviction court proceedings until September 30th. Paxton's recent comments challenges that order, stating it overrides state law.

Krieger says Paxton's statement is opinion and would have to go before a judge to gain any sort of traction. "In fact, none of the laws currently in the book, the mayor's order, city council ordinances, aren't actually affected in this moment by Paxton's order," she said.

In a statement, Mayor Adler responded to Paxton's claims saying his orders "do not amend statewide eviction procedures" and are purposed to "reduce the spread of COVID-19."

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Krieger says the City of Austin's rent assistance program has helped those on the verge of eviction. She says that, in additional to the local court moratorium, is helping renters until some sort of federal assistance deal is worked out.

"There's this big cloud over everyone's head once the courts open. 'What are we going to see?' What is that tidal wave going to look like?'" said Krieger.

She says under the moratorium, landlords are able to file evictions with the court, but says any notice to vacate is unlawful. "What I would tell someone who at this moment cannot pay their rent is to breathe, because there is still time, there are still local protections," she said.

If you're being forced to vacate due to eviction, you're encouraged to call 311.