Struggling to Pay Rent During the Pandemic? What does San Diego’s Eviction Moratorium Mean for You?

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​Did you lose your job or were your hours cut because of COVID-19? Do you have medical bills related to COVID-19? Did you have to take off work because of school closures? Are you worried about paying rent?
 
San Diego City Counsel has enacted a temporary moratorium on evictions for nonpayment of rent by residential and commercial tenants in San Diego County.

Work is slowing down and businesses are closing their doors. As jobs disappear, rents do not. This relief is incredibly important. 
​-Mayor Kevin Faulconer

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BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

If your rent was due on or after March 12, 2020 there are restrictions on the action that your landlord can take if you were financially impacted by COVID-19. To qualify, your landlord must receive written notice of your inability to pay  no more than seven days after the rent comes due. You also have to provide your landlord with documentation showing that your inability to pay all or part of your rent is related to COVID-19.

If your do these things your landlord cannot:

• Charge or collect late fees,
• File an action to get possession of the property.

 
If your landlord is not provided with evidence of your financial impact related to COVID-19 within the time frame, they may start the eviction process. 

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HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO PAY BACK THE RENT?

​The city ordinance does not excuse you from paying your rent. If you stay on the property, you have up to six months from the day the state of emergency is withdrawn, or the date the ordinance is effective (whichever is soonest). If you move out, the unpaid rent becomes due.
 
If the outstanding balance is not paid by the end of the six-month period, your landlord may evict you and sue for the unpaid rent balance. 

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WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Download and fill out the form letter from the link below. Print your name in the blank 1). Print your address including your unit number (if applicable) in blank 2). Check the box that applies to your situation.  Fill in the date your rent is due in blank 3). Fill in the date you sent the letter in blank 4).  Be sure to sign you name at the bottom. 

DOWNLOAD FORM

Send it to your landlord by email or postal mail before your rent is due. Be sure to include documentation that the hardship is related to COVID-19. This can include:

• A letter from your boss
• Medical Bills
• Paystubs showing reduced hours
• Termination Paperwork 

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WHAT CAN COUNTERPOINT LEGAL DO FOR YOU?

If your landlord does not agree to waive late fees or starts the eviction process--contact us.  We are here to help protect you in these uncertain times. ​Please stay safe, stay healthy, and we are here if you need us.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION NOW