Without the eviction halt, which the CDC first implemented last September, more than 15 million people living in the U.S. who were behind on their rental payments could have faced eviction.

The program, which was included in the 2021-22 fiscal year budget recently signed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, is the largest rental assistance program in the nation.

Home rental prices, which dropped in many U.S. cities throughout the coronavirus pandemic, have reached their highest level in about two years.

Housing affordability continues to decline as the hot real estate market fuels skyrocketing prices. Incomes aren’t keeping pace with the higher prices.