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California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

Moratorium on Evictions For Tenants Affected by COVID-19

The Oakland City Council has enacted an emergency moratorium on evictions for residential tenants and many commercial tenants economically affected by COVID-19 (see eligibility below). Eviction notices also will not be enforced during this time period.

Additionally, landlords are prohibited from increasing residential rent by more than 3.5% and charging late fees if a residential tenant is late in paying rent due to COVID-19 (e.g., COVID-19 illness or self-quarantine, loss of income or employment due to COVID-19 business closures).

Oakland tenants cannot be evicted later in the year for rent that went unpaid during the moratorium period.

Unpaid rent will still be due, and the moratorium does not relieve tenants of the obligation to pay unpaid back rent in the future.

Government or Lead Agency

Oakland City Council

Dates Available

Effective as of March 27, 2020 until August 31, 2020, subject to possible extension or shortening.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Residential renters, nonprofit organization renters, and small business renters with 100 or fewer employees unable to pay rent due to COVID-19.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Residential tenants and property owners may contact the Rent Adjustment Program for questions by calling (510) 238-3721 or emailing RAP@oaklandca.gov.

Commercial tenants and property owners with questions about the eviction moratorium should email to busdev@oaklandca.gov.

List of Additional Information

The Oakland City Council’s summary of the eviction moratorium can be found here.

The full text of the March 27 ordinance is available here, and the full text of the May 19 amendment is available here.

Information about the Rent Adjustment Program for additional rent assistance is available here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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