LOS ANGELES – Gov. Gavin Newsom has given California renters -- specifically those who are losing income due to the new coronavirus pandemic -- 60 days to figure out how to pay their rent.
The statewide executive order runs through May 31 and prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent and prohibits enforcement of evictions by law enforcement or courts amid the COVID-19 outbreak that is currently sweeping the state, the nation and the world.
“Although CAA [California Apartment Association] is still reviewing the details of the new executive order, the association continues to appreciate Gov. Newsom for his continued leadership during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Debra Carlton, CAA’s executive vice president of state public affairs, in a statement on its website.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought frightening and uncertain times, leaving many Californians with health challenges and economic difficulties. CAA believes rental housing providers have an obligation to stay informed, to look out for each other and their residents, and work together to weather this storm,” Carlton said. “That is why the California Apartment Association asked rental housing providers last week to support CAA’s Safe at Home Guidelines. Already, property owners are adopting these guidelines to help renters keep a roof over their heads and stay healthy during this pandemic.”
According to Gov. Newsom’s office, the institutions that have signed on to the governor’s proposal also will provide borrowers a streamlined process to request a forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, confirm approval of and terms of the forbearance program and provide borrowers the opportunity to request additional relief upon showing continued hardship due to COVID-19. In addition, no negative credit impacts will result from relief.
For at least 90 days, financial institutions will waive or refund mortgage-related late fees and other fees, including early CD withdrawals, which is subject to applicable federal regulations, for those who have requested assistance.