Shutterstock
In August, the federal protections for renters and homeowners that prevented evictions expired. That provision was part of the CARES Act, signed into law in March, though at the time, the pandemic wasn’t expected to carry on this long.
However, it’s been more than five months since the pandemic started, and no end is in sight. Instead, the US is facing historic unemployment and an economic downturn.
In light of this, California Governor Gavin Newsom has moved quickly to address the problem in his home state. On Tuesday, Newsom signed off on a moratorium that would block evictions for renters in the state.
The bill, A.B. 3088, moved through the California legislature on the body’s last day before a recess. It extends protections for renters through another five months.
The pandemic has proven uniquely challenging for many in the US. As people have lost their jobs struggle to make ends meet, Congress has yet to agree to another relief bill. This situation is especially trying for the poorest Americans, many of whom work in fields impacted by the virus.
Many were simply stuck at home, waiting for their disinfectant wipes to be delivered. Meanwhile, many landlords have shown little compassion, promising to evict those who can’t pay their rent as soon as they are legally able to do so.
For many renters, that day came on August 1, when the CARES Act lapsed. Congress was unable to come to an agreement before going to a recess, leaving millions of Americans to fend for themselves against their landlords.
Likewise, an extra $600 per week that was included for those on unemployment lapsed in August, compounding the issue for many.
Related: What’s Going On With The Next Relief Bill?
Governor Newsom has offered those in California some respite from the looming housing crisis. California, a staunchly progressive state, is often at the forefront of legislation that leans to the left. However, this is cold comfort for millions of Americans who don’t live in the coastal state. Instead, they’re waiting on Congress or their own state legislatures to craft laws to protect them.
This situation has left Congress scrambling for control of the narrative. Republicans allege that Democrats are trying to spend far too much money, attempting to bankrupt the US. Democrats have accused Republicans of taking the situation too lightly, not moving with urgency to protect the poorest Americans. In the meantime, people who have lost everything due to the virus now stand to lose their homes, too.
