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
The COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020 was signed by Governor Newsom on August 31, 2020. The state law provides that residential tenants who are unable to pay rent during the COVID-19 emergency cannot be evicted for rents that became due between March 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021, if certain requirements are met. The law’s eviction protections apply only where the evictions are based on nonpayment of rent.
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/
