Update: At the end of January, state leaders passed AB 91 to extend the statewide eviction moratorium. Read more about what this bill does and does not do to protect renters from eviction and provide debt relief to tenants here.
State lawmakers have ten days to decide if they will let the statewide eviction moratorium expire or use their power to ensure tenants can stay housed through the ongoing pandemic. Each of us has the power to work together and ensure lawmakers pass this critical bill in time. EBHO asks members to call or email today in support of AB 15, rent forgiveness, and support for non-profit housing providers and small landlords experiencing financial hardship.
AB 15 will extend the statewide eviction moratorium (AB 3088) until the end of 2021. It will give struggling tenants more time to regain employment and financial stability so that they don’t lose their homes during a pandemic. Without AB 15, tenants who are unable to pay their rent due to COVID-19 could face eviction starting February 1st. That’s just 10 days away!
EBHO’s Key Priorities are:
AB 15 should be passed as written: AB 15 was thoughtfully crafted by advocates who work directly with low-income tenants and tenants of color, who’ve been most severely impacted by COVID-19. Because of this, it should be passed as written. In particular, the eviction moratorium should be extended until the end of 2021. It should also allow local governments to meet the needs of local communities by passing measures that are more protective of vulnerable renters.
The State should take responsibility for rental debt: Millions of essential workers – who are disproportionately Black, Brown, Indigenous, and immigrant – lost work and income due to the important public health measures taken to combat COVID-19. They shouldn’t be burdened with debt as a result. The State should utilize federal relief and take responsibility and forgive COVID-related rental debt so that working-class families can get back on their feet and we can all work together to end the racial wealth gap.
The State should keep the most vulnerable housing providers solvent: While too many of our homes are controlled by profit-rich corporations, small landlords and non-profit affordable housing providers have struggled during the pandemic due to lost rental income. The State should provide targeted financial assistance to the most vulnerable property owners so that they can remain solvent.
These five elected officials have the most power in moving AB 15 forward and ensuring it passes. We recommend you contact all five decision makers.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Call: 916-445-2841
Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins
Call: 916-651-4039
Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg
Call: 916-651-4018
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon
Call: 916-319-2063
Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes
Call: 916-319-2047
You can read the Letter of Support EBHO Submitted to the legislature here.