SALT LAKE CITY-Advocates for Utah’s homeless and low-income communities are calling upon Utah Gov. Gary Herbert to extend a statewide hold on evictions for those directly affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

In a letter sent to Herbert Wednesday, 21 groups asked him to shield tenants from eviction until July 15 and put further protections in place, such as barring landlords from charging late fees or raising rent.

Herbert’s current executive order is set to expire May 15 when those who deferred rent for April or this month must pay.

Another period of extended evictions may occur which would align more closely with the roll out of federal aid per advocates.

Groups urging Herbert to extend the period include religious organizations and others advocating for disabled, immigrant and minority Utahns.

They confirm that many Utahns have not yet received stimulus or unemployment checks.

Undocumented immigrants also are ineligible for payments as are their spouses or children.

The groups also called upon Herbert to allow renters six months to a year to come up with back rent with no fees attached, prohibit non-emergency evictions and allow tenants 30 days to leave if they are being evicted for reasons other than late rent.