The moratoriums for residential and commercial evictions have been extended thru January 15, 2022 — prolonging the safety net for renters impacted by COVID-19.

Executive Order 2021-07, signed by Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan on Tuesday, marks the sixth extension of the eviction moratorium, which also includes utility relief assistance.

The order forbids property owners from issuing eviction notices or initiating legal action against tenants unless there is imminent danger. Additionally, landlords are barred from collecting late fees, interest or other charges related to untimely rent payments during the moratorium.

To be clear, tenants are legally bound to pay rent during the moratorium, while landlords are urged to offer flexible payment plans, according to Seattle.gov.

The moratorium also applies to independently owned small businesses and non-profits with fewer than 50 employees.

Some 60,000 Seattle area renters are behind on rent as reported by the Seattle Times recently.

Since June, Seattle has distributed more than $15 million of the first allocation of the American Rescue Plan rent relief to tenants and property owners, with the city declaring its first eviction moratorium on March 14, 2020, as part of the COVID-19 civil emergency.