COVID Housing: California To Extend Eviction Moratorium To June 30
SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) — California officials on Monday announced that the state is planning to extend the current moratorium on evictions until June 30 for those struggling to pay rent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposal, which must be approved by the state Legislature, would extend a state law scheduled to expire at the end of January that prevents landlords from evicting tenants who could not pay their rent between March and August because of the coronavirus pandemic. To be eligible, tenants must pay at least 25% of their rent due between Sept. 1 and Jan. 31.
• ALSO READ: Report Warns Of Looming California Eviction Crisis; 1.1M Households Behind On Rent
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a joint statement with Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon regarding the extension of the eviction moratorium aimed at protecting Californians impacted by COVID-19.
"COVID-19 continues to devastate communities across our state and too many Californians remain one paycheck away from losing their apartments or homes. These families need protection and relief now," the statement read. "Today, we are announcing an agreement to extend the eviction moratorium in California through June 30, 2021 – protecting tenants and small landlords from losing their housing as the nation continues to confront the pandemic."
The proposal would also use $2.6 billion Congress approved for California as part of the most recent coronavirus aid package to pay landlords up to 80% of tenants' unpaid rent — but only if landlords forgive the remaining 20%. If landlords refused, the state would pay 25% of unpaid rent to ensure those low-income tenants could not be evicted through the end of June.
Newsom also talked about the deal that had been reached to extend the eviction moratorium during his Monday press conference updating the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We have a deal, just announced a few moments ago," said Newsom. "Remember, this eviction protection was due to expire at the end of this month. Now, it will expire July 1st, in essence June 30th."
Newsom said that more details on the plan would be made available when the updated law was put in front of legislators later this week.
He also said the plan would provide additional protections for tenants regarding credit history, debt collection and notification of rights.
© Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
