Blog

Benicia tenants are protected from evictions related to Coronavirus/COVID-19 income disruptions.  Until at least May 31, 2020, Benicia landlords shall not endeavor to evict a tenant for non-payment of rent due to financial disruption related to Coronavirus/COVID-19. To qualify for eviction protections, Benicia tenants must:
  1. Demonstrate that the Coronavirus/COVID-19 has impacted them;
  2. Within 30 days after the date that the rent is due, provide the landlord with written notice of inability to pay rent due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 impact, with supporting documentation.
Under the Benicia Coronavirus/COVID-19 eviction moratorium, impacts include:
  1. Contracting Coronavirus/COVID-19;
  2. Caring for a household or family member who has contracted Coronavirus/COVID-19;
  3. Income disruption via layoff, wage or hour reduction, business closure, or other income reduction resulting from Coronavirus/COVID-19;
  4. Complying with a government or health authority order to stay home, self-quarantine, or other similar order;
  5. Extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses; or,
  6. Child care needs arising from school or preschool closure due to Coronavirus/COVID-19.
Supporting documentation likely includes, paystubs, time cards, proof of out-of-pocket medical expenses related to Coronavirus/COVID-19, proof of medical care or quarantine, employer or school notes, or doctors citing the Coronavirus/COVID-19. Under the Benicia Coronavirus/COVID-19 eviction moratorium, Benicia tenants have 60 days following the expiration of the moratorium to pay any deferred rent.  Benicia landlords cannot charge or collect a late fee or penalty for deferred rent. The Benicia Coronavirus/COVID-19 eviction moratorium covers termination of tenancy and notices to cure or quit that were served before the moratorium effect date, but have not yet expired. The Benicia Coronavirus/COVID-19 eviction moratorium will remain in effect until May 31, 2020, unless extended. Benicia joins numerous other California cities that have, or will soon pass, Coronavirus/COVID-19 eviction moratoriums, including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Santa Monica, Culver City, Stockton, Sacramento, San Diego, Alameda, Burbank, Pasadena, Vallejo, Inglewood, Glendale, El Monte, South Pasadena, Richmond, Emeryville, Ojai, Palo Alto, Clearlake, Palm Springs, Goleta, Santa Ana, San Louis Obispo County, West Sacramento, Watsonville, Woodland, Anaheim, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles. Click here to read the unabridged Benicia Coronavirus/COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium. If you are a Benicia tenant with questions about your rights under the Benicia Coronavirus/COVID-19 eviction moratorium or have questions about California Rent Control (AB 1482), contact Astanehe Law to speak with a tenant attorney.