30 Sep California’s Eviction Moratorium Has Ended – What Happens Next?
The time has finally come for California’s Eviction Moratorium to end; and the big question is what happens next?
Will the Governor or State Legislators work to extend the eviction moratorium again at the last minute? Or are evictions going to finally be allowed to move forward as they would during a normal rental market?
In this article we will answer these questions and provide you with insight into what to expect next in California’s rental market.
Preparing For The End Of California’s Eviction Moratorium
Landlords in California have been hit hard since March 2020 as the eviction moratorium has stopped them from being able to collect rent during the pandemic.
At last count, California landlords are owed BILLIONS in back rent, so it’s easy to see why every landlord is ready for the eviction moratorium to end.
Evictions – Yes, we can expect evictions to move forward, but one important thing to keep in mind is that many tenants are shielded from eviction if they paid roughly 25% of their rent between 9/1/20 and 9/30/21.
Tenants also cannot be evicted for rent that they may still owe from March 2020 through August 2020 if they present their landlord with a signed declaration that their rent was not paid during those months due to COVID-19 financial distress.
It’s also important to note that some counties in California may pass their own versions of eviction protection for tenants as La County recently passed a motion that provides tenants with more legal protections, even though evictions can still ‘technically’ move forward.
Rent Relief – Governor Newsom has promised to pay all of the back rent that tenants owed with Federal money, but at last count the State of California has yet to distribute more than $5 billion in rent relief, and that’s making it difficult for both landlords and tenants alike.
With the legislative session ending on Friday, and rent relief money on the line, it’s likely that landlords will continue to be encouraged to work with tenants and possibly delay evictions for another 30 days until the rent relief funds are distributed.
Will There Be Another Extension? – Although it’s unlikely that the California eviction moratorium is extended, don’t count state legislators out. David Chiu (State Assembly District 17) feels that the eviction moratorium should be extended past Sept 30th but they won’t be able to address this issue again until December, unless the Governor calls a special session.
It’s unlikely that the Governor, or the state legislature are going to push for another extension of California’s eviction moratorium.
The California Rental Housing Association endured tremendous pushback from more than 20,000 landlords that they represent, the last time the eviction moratorium was extended, and everyone from the Governor, to David Chiu knows that evictions can’t be paused forever.
Contact MW Real Estate Group
At MW Real Estate Group, we’re multifamily property management experts who know what’s happening with California’s rental market. This saves our clients the time, money and hassle of having to managing properties themselves and stay on top of the changing laws.
If you own multifamily properties in California and are ready to hire someone to manage them for you, or you’re ready for a change in property management services, we invite you to contact us today by calling (213) 927-2117 or click here to connect with us online.