On March 16, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-28-20 putting limitations on evictions for those who have been affected by COVID-19. The Los Angeles Superior Court responded with their own standing order allowing tenants additional time to respond to pending Unlawful Detainers. Below are the key highlights both landlords and tenants need to understand:

1. The limitations on evictions are ONLY for nonpayment of rent

2. Tenants are protected through May 31, 2020 if they can prove that they have been affected by COVID-19 in any of the following matters:

a. Loss of income caused by a layoff or reduction in hours of work due to COVID-19;

b. Substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses due to COVID-19;

c. Loss of income due to illness;

d. Loss of income through caring for a sick family member affected by COVID-19.

3. The order explicitly states, “Nothing in this Order shall relieve a tenant of the obligation to pay rent, nor restrict a landlord's ability to recover rent due.”

4. Landlords can collect rent from Tenants and Tenants must pay rent if they are unaffected by COVID-19.

5. Los Angeles Superior Court has declared a court holiday wherein all matters that do not fall under certain emergent parameters, including Unlawful Detainers, are continued through April 17, 2020. Landlords can file/serve notices and file/serve complaints but answers will not be due until the courts fully reopen.

This virus is undoubtedly affecting many people in many different ways and as Angelenos we need to work together to get through this pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns about your rights as landlord or tenant during this time, please call our office at 213-908-5188. This post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please see our “Disclosure” page for more information.