Except by order of court in a proceeding affecting the right of possession, an action for eviction or distress may not be brought against a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage if: the rent for the premises does not exceed $150 per month; and the premises are occupied for dwelling purposes by the spouse, children, or other dependents of the person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage. In a proceeding affecting the right of possession: on its own initiative the court may stay the proceeding for a period not exceeding 3 months; and subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, on motion the court shall stay the proceeding for a period not exceeding 3 months; or the court may issue any other order. The court need not stay the action if the court finds that the ability of a tenant to pay the agreed rent was not materially affected because the tenant was a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.