On March 24, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors passed an Urgency Ordinance establishing a moratorium on residential and commercial evictions resulting from a substantial loss of income caused by COVID-19.
The moratorium applies to all cities countywide and is supported by the Governor’s order issued on March 16, 2020. The County’s moratorium will last until May 31, 2020, and can be extended if the Governor revises his statewide order beyond May 31.
While the ordinance neither relieves a tenant of the obligation to pay rent nor restricts a landlord’s ability to recover rent due, the measure does, however, prevent evictions from occurring in the midst of this crisis. Updated information will be provided when it becomes available. Key aspects of the ordinance include:
- Prohibits eviction for failure to pay rent for renters financially affected by the COVID-19 crisis
- Applies to renters who can document “substantial loss” as a result of the COVID-19 crisis
- Applies to both residential and small business commercial rentals
- Property owners cannot charge or collect late fees for rent delayed while the ordinance is in effect and 120 days after its expiration
- Lasts through May 31