California Extends Eviction Moratorium Amid Rent Crisis

TOPLINE

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill banning evictions until February 2021, extending temporary relief for millions of Californians amid the coronavirus pandemic, as many Americans struggle to pay rent since the federal eviction moratorium and enhanced unemployment benefits ended in July.

KEY FACTS

Key Background

About one-third of the country’s renters, roughly 12 million people, were protected by the eviction moratorium that was part of the CARES Act, which expired on July 28. Eviction filings weren’t supposed to begin until 30 days after the moratorium expired, but some landlords began filing eviction cases as early as June. Wrongful evictions have been reported across the country, with consumer advocacy groups finding more than 100 eviction filings in apparent violation of the CARES act in Arizona, Texas, Florida and Massachusetts, and legal aid lawyers in 38 states reporting multiple instances of attempted illegal evictions, according to the New York Times. It’s been over a month since the CARES Act expired and Congress has yet to reach a deal on a new coronavirus relief package. 

Tangent

Despite the California State Senate being allowed to vote remotely, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, who gave birth in late July, was denied a proxy vote because “maternity leave is not eligible for proxy voting.” Wicks brought her 1-month-old baby to the Assembly floor during the legislative session. 

Further Reading

California Enacts Eviction Moratorium (Wall Street Journal)

Eviction Looms for Millions of Americans Who Can’t Afford Rent (Wall Street Journal)

Landlords Jump the Gun as Eviction Moratorium Wanes (New York Times)

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