Information on COVID-19 for Renters & Landlords
On this page:
- COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act
- Viewing Residential Spaces During the Shelter in Place Order
- California Apartment Association Resources for Navigating the COVID-19 Outbreak
COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act
Last year, the Governor and Legislature worked together to pass AB 3088 which provides relief through January 31, 2021, for tenants experiencing COVID-19-related financial distress. Due to the ongoing pandemic and the substantial effect it continues to have on the economy, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed SB 91 which extends and expands the protections created by AB 3088. SB 91 extends the moratorium against evictions to June 30, 2021, extends the protections of “no cause” evictions, and makes financial assistance available to financially distressed qualifying landlords and tenants.
Like its predecessor bill AB 3088, SB 91 contains many protections. Despite these protections, neither AB 3088 nor SB 91 eliminate the tenant’s obligation to pay their unpaid rent. As such, the tenant will still owe back rent to their landlord. These bills only prevent the landlord from evicting a tenant who is unable to pay rent due to COVID-19 financial distress. Beginning July 1, 2021, landlords can take tenants to small claims court to recover unpaid rent debt regardless of how much the tenant owes.
Information on the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020.
Viewing Residential Spaces During the Shelter in Place Order
Per the updated Shelter in Place Orders linked below:
- Santa Cruz County Health Ordinance dated 4/29/20 (PDF)
- COVID 19 Real Estate Industry Guidance updated 5/29/20 from California Department of Public Health (PDF)
- County variance info
Open houses are still not permitted, but with the consent of the occupant, and following the guidelines shown below, a property may be shown to a prospective tenant or buyer.
- National Association of Realtors Guidelines revised 5/18/20
and
- Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors Guidelines revised 5/21/20 (PDF)
This is general guidance only. Be sure to consult legal counsel, public health information, all applicable executive orders, and federal, state, and local government and agency guidance for specific questions.
California Apartment Association Resources for Navigating the COVID-19 Outbreak
The California Apartment Association (CAA) has many resources to help landlords and renters, including videos, sample letters and agreements, COVID-19 safety information, government and community resources, and more.
caanet.org/
