‘Tsunami’ Of Eviction Cases Expected Soon

A tidal wave of evictions is expected at metro courthouses.

The federal COVID-19 eviction moratorium ended last month, but landlords still had to wait 30 days to begin the eviction process.

That 30 days ended Monday.

The 6th floor of the Oklahoma County Courthouse was filled with people facing eviction.

There were 100 eviction cases Monday. Legal Aid Services expects that number to be around 150 a day by next week.

“Probably go to the shelter or something that’s the only alternative we have,” said Ivan Granam, who owed $1,200 in late rent fees. His wife went before a judge Monday.

Legal Aid Services has been signing up clients for free right before their hearings.

“We might not have enough people here to assist, but we are going to try to help everybody,” said Legal Aid Services attorney Jennifer Montagna.

News 9 watched as Legal Aid Services helped get Granam’s rent late fee charges reduced by more than $100.

Granam will not be evicted.

“God was on our side,” said a grateful Granam.

Meanwhile, Community Cares Partners also has a table on the 6th floor of the Oklahoma County Courthouse.

It's using CARES Act money from the state for eviction prevention, including paying back rent.