Eviction Moratorium Extended In Beverly Hills

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Beverly Hills City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to extend the commercial tenant eviction moratorium for small commercial tenants to Sept. 30.

The moratorium was originally set to end on July 31, but that will only apply to large businesses that: have over 100 employees, have an average annual gross income of more than $15 million over the last three years, have business operations in more than three countries, or are guaranteed by businesses that fall into the previous three categories.

Small commercial tenants and landlords who have not reached a good faith agreement have until March 1, 2021.

The council is also considering rent subsidies similar to the one passed by the city of Los Angeles, which offers up to $1000 a month in rental assistance. Beverly Hills’ proposed subsidy would cover of up to $1000 a month for three months for qualifying households, although it has not decided what exactly that will mean.

At a July 21 study session, the council considered an agenda item to lower rent to either all households that have filed a COVID-19 form, renters living rent-stabilized units, or renters living in homes with rents of $5000 a month or less. The council also considered paying the difference between what the monthly rent, and what renters say they can pay. Jewish Family Services and Bet Tzedek, which already run similar programs in the city, would play a large role in managing the subsidies.

The program would cost anywhere from $420,000 to $498,000 a month.

Councilmembers voiced their support for a rental subsidy ordinance, but it is unknown when or if this will be voted on.

For more information, visit beverlyhills.org/coronavirus or call the city’s Rent Stabilization Division at 310-285-1031.