Additional Eviction Protections Approved In Santa Cruz County

WATSONVILLE, CA — Funding for additional eviction protections for residents in Santa Cruz County facing pandemic-related housing issues was approved Tuesday.

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously authorized up to $500,000 for housing-related community resources. This can potentially include legal assistance and mediation, flexible financial assistance, tenant rights education and counseling, or housing-related problem solving and case management services, the county said.

The state program, which directs landlords and tenants into a COVID Rent Relief program prior to any court action, expires on March 31. The county encourages tenants to apply for the COVID Rent Relief program at HousingIsKey.com as soon as possible.

The Self-Help Center of Santa Cruz County Superior Court is another resource for tenants and landlords facing legal issues.

Additional protections are within the 2019 Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) which requires “just cause” evictions and limits increases in rent, the county said.

The county said nearly $16 million has been paid to local landlords for owed rent due to pandemic-related job or income loss with an average award exceeding $10,000.