Coronavirus: Resources for navigating the outbreak

Coronavirus: Resources for navigating the outbreak

Table of contents

What you need to know

Letters and agreements

Where to get assistance

Staying apprised

Rental Assistance Payment Program

The application process for the State of California’s Rental Assistance Payment Program opened on March 15, 2021.  Some local governments have also opened their application process for rental assistance.

Visit CAA’s compliance page at caanet.org/rapp/ for more information.

COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act

Complying with the COVID-19 Tenant relief act virus-money-coronavirus-covid-19

On January 29, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 91. It took effect immediately. 

Visit CAA’s compliance page dedicated to CTRA at caanet.org/ctra/ for more information.

Local COVID-19 Tenant Protections

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, actions have been taken at all levels of government to protect tenants from eviction. Local governments in particular have enacted numerous COVID-19-related tenant protections. Below are links to the local eviction moratoria of which CAA is aware. CAA has created summaries of the moratoria in the most populous areas.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order N-28-20 that authorized local governments to halt evictions for residential renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic expired September 30. Many local eviction moratoria tied their protections to this executive order. For a copy of the Governor’s executive order click here. 

To view the list of localities that have adopted specific eviction restrictions, please click on the + sign in the appropriate header.

To ensure compliance with all applicable laws, CAA strongly recommends that rental housing providers consult with an attorney before issuing any notice to pay rent or quit or notice of termination of tenancy while this pandemic persists. 

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State & Federal COVID-19 Tenant Protections

On August 31, 2020, the California Legislature passed, and Governor Gavin Newsom signed, AB 3088. This bill enacted the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020 (“CTRA”), which created substantial new protections from evictions for renters, including prohibitions on ever evicting a resident who has failed to make specified rental payments provided certain requirements are met. Information about this new law is available at caanet.org/ab3088.

On March 27, 2020 Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), which included a temporary moratorium on evictions for residential properties financed by federally backed mortgage loans or that participate in federal affordable housing programs, including properties with Section 8 housing vouchers. For more information, see CAA’s Industry Insight — CARES Act Federal Eviction Moratorium.

On September 1, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued an order temporarily halting most residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. This order remains in effect until December 31, 2020. The CDC order states that it applies nationwide, except that it does not apply “in any State, local, territorial, or tribal area with a moratorium on residential evictions that provide the same or greater level of public-health protection than the requirements listed in this Order.” For more information, see CAA’s Industry Insight — CDC Eviction Moratorium.

Fraud warning for homeowners

The California Department of Real Estate has warned of scams that seek to take advantage of California homeowners seeking loan modifications and mortgage forbearance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about how to protect yourself from these scams in DRE’s consumer alert.

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Sample letters to residents

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust our community into unknown territory. We recognize this is a frightening time and that many in our community have faced both health and economic impacts. We are here to try to help.  CAA has created sample letters rental housing providers can use to communicate with residents about key issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Tenant Payment Plan Agreements

The California Apartment Association has over 200 forms and addenda to manage your rental property. Below is a form that can be used to allow a former resident to set up a payment plan for amounts due:

If you are currently not a member of CAA and would like access to all our forms along with our other member benefits, you can request a free membership quote which can be emailed to you immediately.

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Related Resources

Guidelines for Reopening CaliforniaGovernment & Community Resources for Housing Providers
Information on Property Tax Penalty Waivers for Eligible TaxpayersMortgage Assistance
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Video resources for rental housing providers

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Resources for Tenants

To help tenants during the COVID-19 crisis, the California Apartment Association has recommended steps for tenants to follow to ensure they are protected and aware of their rights and resources.

This information can be found at our COVID-19 Tenant Resources page.

Preview of COVID-19 Resources for tenants webpage

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Sign up for free email alerts and updates

If you are a current CAA member you are already signed up to receive these updates. If you are not currently a CAA member, we are happy to provide you updates regarding the COVID-19 and the impact to the Multi-Family Housing industry. Simply provide us the information below and we will include you in our communications.

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