SAN DIEGO — A state board that oversees courts has effectively put a hold on evictions amid Coronavirus restrictions.
The move, by the Judicial Council, appears to expand on the protections Gov. Gavin Newsom put in place in March to protect renters.
Newsom's executive order put a hold on eviction enforcement and penalties through May 31 if tenants documented financial hardship to their landlords no later than one week after the rent was due.
The Judicial Council is now instructing courts to not accept any eviction cases for 90 days after Gov. Newsom lifts his state of emergency. The only exception is for evictions that are needed to protect public health and safety.
"As a public health matter we don't want folks to have to move from their homes, to be evicted, businesses evicted," said Greg Knoll, CEO of Legal Aid Society of San Diego. "What we want to do is try to maintain as much of a status quo in order for people to stay safe at home."
In a statement, the Southern California Rental Housing Association said it is concerned by the Judicial Council's actions, but expressed approval that evictions were still allowed to protect public health and safety.