REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adoption of a Resolution extending the Moratorium on Evictions for the Non-payment of Rent and No-Fault Evictions for Tenants with Incomes Affected by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) to May 31, 2020 [Promote and Enhance Economic and Housing Development]
Report
BACKGROUND
On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization ("WHO") declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This was followed by public health declarations being issued by the State of California, County of Santa Clara, and City of Santa Clara in March. These public health declarations have required residents to shelter in place and limit work to only essential services which has created financial challenges for residents due to unemployment, layoffs, and having to care for family members or children. As a result of these concerns, the City, County, and State have each enacted eviction moratoriums to protect tenants who may face eviction as a result of the loss of income from COVID-19.
On March 24, 2020, the City Council adopted an Urgency Ordinance, setting in place a moratorium on evictions in the City of Santa Clara for the non-payment of rent and no-fault evictions for tenants affected by COVID-19. The Moratorium went into effect March 24, 2020 for a period of 45 days until May 8, 2020. The City Council is authorized to extend the Moratorium by Resolution. The ordinance applies to all residential tenants renting in a building or portion of a building that is used as a home, residence or sleeping place in Santa Clara for periods in excess of seven days.
Also, on April 7, 2020, the City Council approved the reintroduction of a Regular Ordinance allowing moratorium on evictions to be extended by resolution for 30-day periods. Revisions to the ordinance were made to align the effective dates with County and State's timelines before a landlord can seek the nonpayment of rent. If the ordinance is passed by the City Council, it will becom...
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