EXPLAINER: How Oklahoma evictions might spike after July

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A federal freeze on most evictions that was enacted last year is scheduled to expire on July 31st, raising concerns that thousands of Oklahoma residents will be unable to afford their rent and could be booted from their homes.

The state has set aside $260 million to help with outstanding rents, utility payments, and other expenses, but extensive federal rules have slowed the flow of money to those in need.

Despite the federal moratorium on evictions, more than 14,227 evictions have been granted by courts in Oklahoma since March 2020. Advocates say that because the moratorium only protects tenants from eviction for nonpayment, many landlords have pursued evictions for other reasons, alleging lease violations or damage to property.