Governor Gavin Newsome issued an executive order Monday evening to protect renters and homeowners during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
According to KTLA, the executive order allows the local government to temporarily stop foreclosures and evictions. This includes utilities such as water, electricity, internet, and gas to remain on throughout May 31, 2020, but it can be extended. The executive order was enforced to help Californians who are working from home or may have been laid off from their jobs due to the pandemic. Newsome said in a statement that citizens should not have to suffer this difficult time:
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“People shouldn’t lose or be forced out of their home because of the spread of COVID-19. Over the next few weeks, everyone will have to make sacrifices – but a place to live shouldn’t be one of them. I strongly encourage cities and counties to take up this authority to protect Californians.”
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The executive order requires banks and other financial institutions to follow protocol and halt all foreclosures and evictions. Utility companies are also asked to monitor customer usage to make sure services are not interrupted.
However, the order does not mean tenants can stop paying their rent. It means landlords can still retrieve rent that is owed to them.