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SANTA CLARA COUNTY: EVICTION MORATORIUM

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The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday, March 24,2020, to prohibit evictions that are a direct result of the novel coronavirus.

The moratorium on evictions takes effect immediately and lasts through 5/31/2020, unless extended. It applies to both residential and commercial renters who can prove they have suffered a substantial loss of income or substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. All cities within the county are included in the evictions ban. Other cities and counties in California have similar moratoriums. However, this is not a “rent holiday”. It is merely a temporary protection for tenants directly affected by the pandemic who can demonstrate a “substantial” impact on their finances through documentation or other verifiable means. Once the moratorium is lifted, tenants will have up to 120 days to pay all rent that is deferred. Civil penalties are imposed for violations of these new laws.

If you are unclear of your rights as a landlord, please contact our office immediately. Together, we can weather this storm.