On May 29, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom extended a previously enacted statewide eviction moratorium.  Under the new order, local governments may continue suspending residential evictions due to Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic related income disruption until July 28, 2020.

Under the California Coronavirus/COVID-19 eviction moratorium, California tenants are protected from evictions if they:

  1. Were current on the rent due before March 27, 2020;
  2. Demonstrated that the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic has impacted them; and,
  3. Within seven days after the rent becomes due, provide the landlord written notice of inability to pay rent due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 impact, with supporting documentation.

Under the California Coronavirus/COVID-19 eviction moratorium, impacts include:

  1. Contracting or suspected of contracting Coronavirus/COVID-19;
  2. Caring for a household or family member who has contracted or was suspected of contracting Coronavirus/COVID-19;
  3. Income disruption via layoff, wage or hour reduction, business closure, or other income reduction resulting from Coronavirus/COVID-19, the state of emergency, or a government response; or,
  4. The tenant missed work to care for a child whose school was closed in response to Coronavirus/COVID-19.

Supporting documentation includes, termination notices, payroll checks, pay stubs, bank statements, medical bills, or signed letters or statements from an employer or supervisor explaining the tenant’s changed financial circumstances, to support the tenant’s assertion of an inability to pay.

Additionally, the Judicial Council of California amended the California Rules of Court barring statewide evictions during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic remain in effect. The Coronavirus/COVID-19 statewide eviction ban will remain in effect for 90 days after the Governor lifts the Coronavirus/COVID-19 state of emergency.

The Governor’s May 29, 2020 Order did not address the Coronavirus/COVID-19 state of emergency.

Click here to read the unabridged California Coronavirus/COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium Extension Order.

The Governor’s latest order protects nearly all California tenants during this difficult time.  If you are a California tenant with questions about the California Coronavirus/COVID-19 eviction prohibition, California Rent Control (AB1482), contact Astanehe Law to speak with an experienced tenant attorney.