Governor, state lawmakers extend ban on evictions

Heading off of potential wave of evictions, Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers on Monday announced an extension through June of 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.

This post will be updated.