State eviction ban extended

Heading off of potential wave of evictions, Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers announced an extension through June to the state’s ban on evictions.

The deal will give breathing room to struggling renters, and allow the state to distribute $2.6 billion in federal aid to landlords impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and economic upheaval. The compromise comes days before the scheduled Jan. 31 sunset of California’s eviction moratorium.

Newsom said in a statement the extension through June 30 will allow renters and small landlords some stability, and protect community health as the state continues to battle the pandemic and rush vaccines to vulnerable residents and front-line workers.

“We are also moving forward as quickly as possible to deploy California’s share of the latest federal stimulus bill — ensuring that up to $2.6 billion in renter aid is administered quickly, equitably and accountably,” Newsom said.

Housing experts estimate millions of California renters are at risk to losing their homes due to the pandemic. Tenants must state they have been hurt financially by the pandemic to be covered by the moratorium.

The proposal, which must be approved by the state Legislature, would extend a state law scheduled to expire on Monday that prevents landlords from evicting tenants who could not pay their rent between

March and August because of the coronavirus pandemic. To be eligible, tenants must pay at least 25% of their rent due between Sept. 1 and Jan. 31.

Details were outlined in a “fact sheet” sent to lawmakers. The proposal is being negotiated between Newsom, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins and could change. Representatives from all three offices declined to comment on Monday, with a spokesman for Newsom saying they hoped to have more information soon.