The Alameda County Eviction Moratorium

Alameda County has amended its existing temporary eviction moratorium and instituted widespread protections for individuals impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. 

What Does the Alameda Count Eviction Moratorium Mean?

Landlords are now prohibited from evicting tenants for any reason except for when the tenant poses an imminent threat or health/safety risk, or under the Ellis Act through the end of May but, as we have seen, this may be extended. 

If a tenant cannot pay rent due during the moratorium because they suffered a substantial loss of income (including due to children being out of school or other childcare needs) or substantial medical expenses, they must give the landlord notice of the hardship before the rent is due. The tenant must provide documentation of their hardship within 45 days of the initial notice or within 30 days after the County’s shelter in place order is lifted, whichever is later. 

Tenants will then have twelve (12) months to repay any back rent that was missed as a result of a COVID-19 related hardship. Further, Alameda landlords are prohibited from imposing late fees or interest for unpaid rent. 

Where Does the Alameda County Eviction Moratorium Apply?

The moratorium applies to all cities within the county and any city that wishes to apply their own local moratorium must affirmatively opt out of the county moratorium.

Eviction Moratorium Attorneys

It is essential that both landlords and tenants become well versed in their local city, state, and now county eviction moratorium to understand the best course of action. The attorneys here at Steven Adair MacDonald and Partners, P.C. are monitoring the situation on an hour by hour basis and can provide up to date information specific to your current needs. Contact us now to schedule your consultation. 

–Stephanie Foster, Esq.