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<\/p>\nSacramento, CA…Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that authorizes local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slows foreclosures, and protects against utility shutoffs for Californians affected by COVID-19.\u00a0 The Executive Order comes as Californians are experiencing substantial loss of hours or wages, or layoffs related to COVID-19, affecting their ability to keep up with their rents, mortgages, and utility bills.<\/p>\n
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\u201cPeople shouldn\u2019t lose or be forced out of their home because of the spread of COVID-19,\u201d said Governor Newsom. \u201cOver the next few weeks, everyone will have to make sacrifices \u2013 but a place to live shouldn\u2019t be one of them. I strongly encourage cities and counties take up this authority to protect Californians.\u201d<\/p>\n
The order does not relieve a tenant from the obligation to pay rent, or restrict the landlord\u2019s ability to recover rent that is due. The protections are in effect through May 31, 2020, unless extended. The order also requests banks and other financial institutions to halt foreclosures and related evictions during this time period.<\/p>\n
The Governor\u2019s Executive Order asks the California Public Utilities Commission to monitor measures undertaken by public and private utility providers to implement customer service protections for critical utilities, including electric, gas, water, internet, landline telephone, and cell phone service on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n