Page 83 - AAGLA-MAR 2022

Legal
• Lifts the following protections: (i) Protections against eviction for denying entry to landlord, except when the entry constitutes harassment; (ii) Owner Move-Ins: Removes the purchase date (June 30, 2021) requirement; and requirement that tenants not be financially impacted by COVID-19 for Owner Move-Ins to be allowed
Does this mean Tenants don’t need to pay rent?
No. The County’s COVID-19 Tenant Protections Resolution does not cancel or stop the rent from being owed or stop the accumulation of rent that is owed during the protections period. Tenants should pay if they can and are encouraged to work out a payment plan with their landlord during and after the termination of the COVID-19 Tenant Protections Resolution. Even if a Tenant is eligible for protection from eviction under local and state law, a landlord can sue a Tenant to collect any rent that is owed.
What should a Tenant do if they cannot pay rent?
Tenants and Landlords should immediately apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, which helps income- eligible households with both for past due and future rent payments rent and utilities. Tenants are especially urged to apply to the program, as they may be more protected
from eviction. Income-eligible applicants may qualify regardless of immigration status and will not be required to show proof of citizenship. Most areas in the County are covered by the State’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. Visit housingiskey.com to determine which program is right for you and to apply for assistance.
Do residentials Tenants have to do anything to be protected against eviction if they are unable to pay rent?
As of February 1, 2022, commercial Tenants are no longer protected from eviction due to nonpayment of rent. Beginning April 1, 2022, through May 31, 2022 (Phase I), all residential tenants and mobile home space renters are protected under the County’s COVID-19 Tenant Protections Resolution for nonpayment of rent due to COVID-19 financial hardship for rent incurred on or after April 1, 2022. Tenants must notify their landlord within seven (7) days of the rent being due unless extenuating circumstances exist.
Beginning June 1, 2022 (Phase II), the protections for nonpayment of rent due to COVID-19 financial hardship, and self-certification, will apply ONLY to tenant households with incomes at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Tenants may still be protected against eviction for nonpayment before April 1, 2022, under previous State
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