Governor reassures jobless tenants they can't be evicted

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island's governor is reassuring people struggling to pay their rent that they cannot be evicted because courts are closed at least until mid-May.

Gov. Gina Raimondo said Wednesday night in a message to Rhode Islanders that courts have extended their closure for all non-essential business through May 17 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“This means the courts are not hearing any eviction matters through May 17. Tenants need to know that you cannot be evicted at this time,” the Democrat said.

Attorney General Peter Neronha's office said it has received a growing number of complaints about landlords who are forcing tenants to leave, barring entry to properties or cutting off utilities without court permission.

Landlords are required to get a court order to evict tenants. Neronha said police can file criminal charges against landlords who wrongfully evict tenants during the pandemic.

Rhode Island's death toll stands at 35, with a total of 1,450 cases and 143 people hospitalized.