Council Halts Evictions In Santa Cruz Amid Coronavirus Emergency

SANTA CRUZ, CA — The Santa Cruz City Council unanimously approved Tuesday a ban on evictions of residential and commercial tenants through May 31. The moratorium was approved amid a shelter-in-place order enacted March 16 to protect people amid concerns about the new coronavirus.

The moratorium would apply to renters who could prove they could not afford rent due to coronavirus impacts, the council said during the meeting.

Mayor Justin Cummings encouraged people to pay their rent if they can afford it.

"If we can all try to figure out a way to meet everyone's needs during this really difficult time," Cummings said, it could stop some people from becoming homeless or losing their jobs.

Santa Cruz County Housing Authority rental assistance programs will still be available, according to a council staff report.

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Emergencies due to coronavirus were declared at the state level and county level on March 4.

Similar ordinances were passed in Watsonville Monday and by the county Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

If the outbreak has impacted your ability to pay rent or your utility bill, tell the city by filling out this form. Read an FAQ about the ordinance in English and Spanish.

Read the ordinance here:

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