Dear Friends and Neighbors, 
 
On Friday, January 29, a new law took effect to extend tenant eviction and homeowner protections through June 30th, 2021. It also created a new program to help tenants and landlords deal with unpaid rental debt.

• Eviction Relief.  Tenants cannot be evicted for a COVID-19 related hardship from September 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021, if tenant returns a declaration of hardship form to their landlord and pays at least 25% of the rent due by June 30, 2021.
  • To learn more and download a "Declaration of COVID-19 Related Financial Stress" form, please visit https://landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov/partners/resources.html.
• Rental Assistance.  Cities and counties can set up their own rental assistance programs using money from the federal government to provide help.  Applications should be available in March, so check with your local city or county.  For more information, please visit http://housingiskey.com or call the California Housing COVID-19 Assistance Line at (833) 422-4255.
• Property Owner Protections. The new law also extends consumer protections for requests of mortgage forbearance for homeowners impacted by COVID-19 until September 1, 2021.

For full details on the tenant, landlord, and homeowner protections, as well as the upcoming rental assistance program, please visit the following websites:

• Tenant, Landlord, and Homeowner Protections: https://landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov/index.html
• Community Resources: https://landlordtenant.dre.ca.gov/partners/resources.html
• California COVID-19 Information App for Tenants & Landlords: https://ucilaw.neotalogic.com/a/Cal-Covid-Info-App-for-Tenants-and-Landlords
• Rental Assistance Program: https://www.bcsh.ca.gov/ab3088/

If you require further assistance with a housing-related issue, our office may be able to connect you with services that can assist you.
 
Please continue to monitor the State's COVID-19 website for updates on testing, vaccinations, and other COVID-19 measures.
 
 

Hon. Anthony J. Portantino

Senator, District 25