Portland has formally suspended all eviction proceedings, going beyond new statewide rules Gov. Janet Mills announced on Tuesday.
Portland City Councilor Belinda Ray says the city had received reports from people concerned that they'd have nowhere to go when their leases expire.
Ray says public health would not be served by allowing people to be pushed out of their homes during a pandemic.
"We don't want people seeking housing, going out viewing a lot of apartments, doing a lot of social interactions," Ray says. "Nor do we want people winding up with no place to live during this period when we're asking people to stay at home."
Ray says people who voiced concern about housing security were also encouraged to reach out to landlords to discuss their situation.
The eviction suspension was approved as an amendment to an extension of the city's emergency declaration and stay-at-home order. The ban will be in place until that order is lifted.