TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager establish a policy for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Relief Program to determine eligibility for expedient processing and payment to residents who have been served with a notice of termination of tenancy, or eviction, including Notice to Vacate, Notice to Pay or Quit, or any other eviction notice. Further, request that City staff reach out to landlords who have issued eviction notices to advise them on the ability to apply for expedited processing and payment of back rent through this program.
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND:
Protections for tenants and landlords financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have been a top legislative priority in California. The State Legislature adopted AB 3088, that included an urgency clause and provided both a residential eviction moratorium and anti-foreclosure property protections. The County of Los Angeles also established an eviction moratorium to prevent evictions; however, without further legislative action, both the State of California and County’s provisions are set to expire on June 30, 2021.It is imperative that the City of Long Beach expedite and prioritize those facing evictions to determine eligibility for rental relief through the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Review of this policy will ensure continuance of the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance program to assist residents with unpaid rent, due to circumstances related to the pandemic until such time that recovery is possible. Due to the immediate need to adopt protections for renters at risk of eviction, this item is a matter of urgency.
FISCAL IMPACT
No Financial Management review was able to be conducted due to the urgency and time sensitivity of this item.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERTO URANGA
COUNCILMEMBER, SEVENTH DISTRICT
MARY ZENDEJAS
COUNCILWOMAN, FIRST DISTRICT
SUELY SARO
COUNCILWOMAN, SIXTH DISTRICT
REX RICHARDSON
VICE MAYOR, NINTH DISTRICT...
Click here for full text