Alameda halts evictions for non-payment of rent during state of emerge
Published on March 18, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
March 18, 2020, 5:30 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
510-747-4714
Alameda halts evictions for non-payment of rent during state of emergency
New Ordinance applies if tenants have a substantial loss of income due to COVID-19
On March 17, 2020, the Alameda City Council passed an urgency ordinance, effective immediately and extending for 60 days, with the intent to halt evictions for non-payment of rent due to a substantial loss of income because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the ordinance provides all residential tenants a defense in an eviction proceeding for failure to pay rent. Substantial loss of income includes: 1) a reduction of 20% or more of monthly gross pay; 2) extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses; or (3) extraordinary child care needs. You can download the ordinance at https://bit.ly/33ue4rM.
Landlords are also prohibited from shutting off utilities except in the case of an emergency, such as an urgent repair to a water line.
Many tenants are experiencing sudden income loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Alameda County’s Shelter In Place Order. Even further income impacts are anticipated, leaving tenants vulnerable to eviction. During the City’s declared State of Emergency and in the interest of protecting the public health and preventing the transmission of COVID-19, this action is essential to avoid unnecessary displacement and homelessness.
The City Council also directed staff to return with additional details, including clarification on when the tenant would be required to repay their landlord, options on commercial properties, and options for tenants whose landlord is the City of Alameda.
On March 16, 2020, Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order that allows cities to stop landlords of residential and commercial property from evicting tenants for non-payment of rent.
Centro Legal De Le Raza provides free legal services to low-income Alameda tenants funded by the City of Alameda. Contact them by phone at 510-437-1554.