California eviction-protections bill advances, aims to give renters more time to receive assistance

Lawmakers in California reached a last-minute deal on eviction protections in the state, as thousands of assistance applications lag behind schedule and California residents face eviction in spite of attempting to receive rental assistance.

The new bill, which would extend the eviction moratorium in the state to June 30, giving the state more time to process rental assistance applications and distribute aid to applicants. Currently, the average rental assistance applicant waits about 3 months before hearing back, according to a recent study. 

“It is on us to take care of the thousands of Californians — landlords and tenants alike — who reached out to COVID-19 emergency rental assistance programs for help and still have their applications pending,” said Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord).

“It would be cruel, wasteful and unfair to subject these Californians to eviction or the loss of rental income now, when they have done everything asked of them, and distribution of their emergency rental assistance is imminent,” he continued.

The current law is set to expire Thursday, leaving thousands of California renters vulnerable to eviction. The bill is expected to move quickly through both houses and head to Governor Newsom, who is expected to sign it as fast as possible.