County Extends Tenant Protections Through January 31
County ordinance expands state eviction moratorium
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause severe financial hardship for many families. We must protect vulnerable populations and housing stability, and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The CDC has declared a temporary halt in residential evictions to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Their Order specifically stated that eviction moratoriums can be an effective public health measure to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
To alleviate the financial hardship on many renters and help stop the spread of COVID-19, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors unanimously passed (on September 29) an urgency ordinance that complements and expands the State's moratorium on evictions and extends the local rent freeze through January 31, 2021.
Our ordinance applies to the unincorporated areas and all 19 cities in the County. Cities can adopt more protective provisions that go beyond the County's ordinance.
Here's a summary of tenant protections under both State and County law:
Ban on Residential Evictions Due to Inability to Pay Rent - Previous state and county law prohibited eviction of residential tenants for nonpayment of rent or other charges due to COVID-19 related financial hardship from March 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020. A new state law prohibits eviction of residential tenants for nonpayment of rent or other charges from September 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021 as long as the tenant pays at least 25% of the amount due during this period by January 31, 2021.
Ban on Small Business Evictions - County law prohibits evictions of small businesses and non-profits for nonpayment of rent or other charges due to COVID-19 related financial hardship through November 30, 2020. Also, landlords may not charge or collect late fees from tenants that provide documentation of hardship.
Moratorium on Residential Rent Increases - County law prevents a property owner from increasing rent on a residential property through January 31, 2021. State law prevents this rent freeze from applying to certain residential properties, including single family homes and residences built with the last 15 years.
Ban on No-Fault Residential Evictions - County law prevents a property owner from evicting a residential tenant for any "no-fault" reason except to protect the health and safety of the owner or another tenant, to allow the owner or their immediate family to move into the residential unit or to remove the unit from the rental market.
For COVID-19 updates, visit the Contra Costa Health Services website. If you have questions about the virus, contact the multilingual Call Center at 1-844-729-8410 daily from 8 am to 5 pm. For assistance after hours in multiple languages, call 211 or 800-833-2900 or text HOPE to 20221.
Thanks to all of you for wearing face coverings, maintaining at least 6 feet of physical distance, washing your hands often, staying home when sick, and getting tested.
