The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously extended a temporary moratorium on evictions for certain residential tenants, and also on certain residential rent increases through June 30. Also, a temporary eviction moratorium for certain commercial tenants was extended through March 31.
The ordinance provides eviction protections for residential tenants, including mobile home tenants, who are experiencing a financial hardship related to COVID-19, as long as the tenant provides the landlord with a written declaration of hardship. It also prohibits a landlord from increasing rent on a residential real property with specified exceptions.
Similarly, commercial tenants are also protected in the case of non-payment of rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts. The tenant must provide documentation showing loss of income or out-of-pocket medical expenses. In addition, a landlord of a small business commercial property may not charge or collect a late fee for unpaid rent due to a COVID-impacted tenant.
“Even as COVID-19 vaccines distribution gives us hope to ending the pandemic, we recognize the need to continue protections for Contra Costa residents and businesses,” said Supervisor Diane Burgis, Board Chair. “Now is not the time to let down our guard against the virus. We encourage residents to stay vigilant and to seek resources. We will get through this together.”
Read the ordinance here. Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding this ordinance on the County website soon.
