Governor Bullock’s March 31 Directive with consumer protections to lessen the economic impacts on Montanans by stopping evictions, foreclosures and cancellation of utility services does not absolve renters or lessees from their financial obligations, according to a citizen’s advocate from the governor’s office. The financial liability of tenants according to the terms of their lease remains unchanged. Only the legal ability to remove a renter from the property is suspended.

The suspension of foreclosures also applies to residential properties owned by landlords if they are unable to p...