Legislative Update - September 23, 2021
State Eviction Moratorium End Approaching; New Procedures Effective October 1
With the end of the statewide eviction moratorium approaching on September 30, housing providers will need to prepare for next steps for residents who fail to pay the required 25% of noticed rent as well a those who fail to pay between October 1 and March 31, 2022, known as the COVID-19 Recovery Period. Housing providers are encouraged to apply for Emergency Rental Assistance on behalf of residents who have not applied on their own. Every effort with regard to rental assistance must be made before the courts will issue a summons in an Unlawful Detainer or a judgement in Small Claims. Click here for more information on AB 832.
SCRHA will be making available a new 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit form for the Recovery Period available next week. Because the Unlawful Detainer process effective October 1 will be brand new, members are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney if considering an eviction.
San Diego City Council Votes to Increases Sewer Rates
The City of San Diego increased sewer rates for the first time since 2012 this past Tuesday. Single family home ratepayers will see an average increase of 5% in 2022, with the potential to increase by around 16% in total by 2025. In a step towards more equity for the multifamily ratepayer, there will be a decrease of 5% and 12.1%, respectively. SCRHA spoke at the Independent Rates Oversight Committee hearing regarding the way sewer charges are calculated. While too late to factor into the Cost of Service Study and approved increases, it was noted by councilmembers and city staff that there should be further study of the method for calculating return to sewer charges that more closely mirrors that of single family ratepayers. Read more.
House Committee Passes Bill to Improve Rental Assistance Process; Comes with a Catch
The House Financial Services committee recently passed a bill designed to address some of the road blocks associated with Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP). While the industry agrees with some components of the bill, such as allowing housing providers to receive assistance directly when residents refuse to cooperate, the legislation includes an eviction moratorium currently proposed for four months. Eviction moratoria across the country has harmed the rental industry and placed many housing providers in a precarious financial position themselves. Click here to read the letter from the National Apartment Association (NAA) and its national housing partners.