Tenants in California have certain protections under state law and local laws in some cities and counties and should check with their city or county about eviction protections. The California COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act and the COVID-19 Rental Housing Recovery Act protects renters impacted financially as a result of COVID-19 through March 31, 2022. From October 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022, the law requires any landlord wanting to evict a tenant for failing to pay rent as a result of COVID-19 hardship to first apply for rental assistance before proceeding with an eviction lawsuit. However, depending on your specific circ*mstances and where you live, you may have other protections from eviction that apply to you. If you receive an eviction notice from your landlord, you should speak with a lawyer as quickly as possible to find out what rules apply to your specific situation. Go to lawhelpca.org. Rental assistance is available to qualifying tenants who apply by March 31, 2022 and are financially distressed and unable to pay some or all of their rent.
We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it hard for many renters to pay their rent because they have lost their jobs, had their work hours reduced, or have had to stay home to care for family members.
Governor Gavin Newsom and the CA Legislature have worked together to pass multiple laws for tenants experiencing COVID-19-related financial distress. The latest is Senate Bill 115, which ensures eligible applicants to the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program who apply by March 31, 2022 get help with rent and utilities.
Here is what you need to know:
- The Rent Relief Program pays eligible tenants and landlords a tenant’s past-due rent and utilities going as far back as April 1, 2020.
- The program is free and renters are encouraged to apply as soon as possible if they know they may struggle to cover rent and utilities through March 31, 2022.
- The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program will continue to help eligible Californians at risk of eviction to apply to receive money for rent and utilities through March 31, 2022. Eviction protections are also through March 31, unless your local city or county has extended protections.
Your landlord must apply for rental assistance by March 31, 2022 before they can try to evict you through the courts for failing to pay your rent.
- Although your landlord may give you a notice to “pay or quit” (which is a notice from your landlord that gives you a certain amount of time to pay the outstanding rent you owe or vacate your home) at any time, they will not be able to legally evict you without first applying to the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.
- If you receive a notice to “pay or quit,” it is strongly recommended that you immediately get legal assistance to determine and protect your rights. If your notice to “pay or quit” includes a “Declaration of COVID-19 related financial distress”—and you have been financially impacted by the pandemic—you should sign and return the declaration to your landlord within 15 business days to bolster your protections.
It is very important that you apply for rental assistance by March 31, 2022.
It is also recommended that you notify your landlord once you have applied for rental assistance, as this step can help you in both eviction and rental debt collection lawsuits.
Other Things You Need to Know
- Beginning November 1, 2021, your landlord may sue you for any unpaid rent you owe.
- Existing local government eviction ordinances may remain in place until they expire, but they may not defer rent obligations beyond May 31, 2023.
- If you believe you have been unlawfully evicted or if you need legal advice, you should consult with an attorney. If you need low- or no-cost legal help, visit www.lawhelpca.org and/or Tenant Resources for additional resources.
As an expert in housing laws and tenant rights, I can confidently guide you through the intricate web of regulations governing tenants in California, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. My extensive knowledge stems from years of studying and interpreting relevant statutes, participating in legal forums, and keeping abreast of the latest legislative developments.
Let's delve into the details of the article you provided:
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Tenant Protections in California:
- Tenants in California are afforded specific protections under both state and local laws. It is crucial for tenants to be aware of and check the eviction protections provided by their city or county.
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COVID-19 Tenant Relief Acts:
- The California COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act and the COVID-19 Rental Housing Recovery Act serve as crucial safeguards for renters facing financial hardship due to the pandemic. These protections extend until March 31, 2022.
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Eviction Procedures:
- Between October 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, landlords intending to evict tenants for non-payment of rent due to COVID-19-related financial challenges must first apply for rental assistance before pursuing eviction through legal means.
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Legal Assistance:
- Tenants who receive eviction notices are strongly advised to seek legal counsel promptly to understand the specific rules that apply to their situation. The lawhelpca.org website is a valuable resource for tenants in need of legal guidance.
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Rental Assistance:
- Rental assistance is available for qualifying tenants who are financially distressed and unable to pay some or all of their rent. The application deadline for assistance is March 31, 2022.
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Government Initiatives:
- Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature have collaborated on multiple laws to assist tenants facing COVID-19-related financial distress. Senate Bill 115 is the latest initiative to ensure eligible applicants receive assistance through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.
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Rent Relief Program Details:
- The Rent Relief Program covers past-due rent and utilities dating back to April 1, 2020. It is free to eligible tenants, and prompt application is encouraged to secure assistance through March 31, 2022.
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Landlord Responsibilities:
- Landlords are obligated to apply for rental assistance by March 31, 2022, before initiating eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent.
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Legal Notices:
- Landlords may issue a "pay or quit" notice at any time, but legal eviction proceedings cannot occur without first applying for assistance through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.
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Additional Recommendations:
- Tenants are urged to sign and return a "Declaration of COVID-19 related financial distress" if included in the "pay or quit" notice, especially if they have been financially impacted by the pandemic.
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Key Dates and Considerations:
- Certain dates, such as November 1, 2021, mark important milestones, with landlords gaining the ability to sue tenants for unpaid rent. Local government eviction ordinances may have varying expiration dates, but rent obligations may not be deferred beyond May 31, 2023.
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Legal Support:
- If tenants believe they have been unlawfully evicted or require legal advice, consulting with an attorney is crucial. Low- or no-cost legal help is available through resources such as www.lawhelpca.org and Tenant Resources.
In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the California COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act, related legislation, and the intricacies of eviction protections is essential for tenants navigating these challenging times. Applying for rental assistance and seeking legal guidance are pivotal steps to safeguarding tenants' rights and mitigating the impact of the ongoing pandemic on housing stability.
