Update: SLO County issues ban on evictions in response to COVID-19 crisis

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, San Luis Obispo County issued a countywide ban on evictions Wednesday.

The county’s executive order, issued in partnership with all seven cities, applies only to evictions for non-payment of rent or foreclosures due to a substantial decrease in household or business income, or substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses related to COVID-19.

Several major cities in California already have put emergency holds on evictions.

More are expected to do so now, in response to an executive order signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday that authorized local jurisdictions to prohibit evictions of both residential and commercial tenants.

Tenants will still have to pay rent and landlords can still recover rent that is due, according to the governor’s order, which is in effect through May 31. It covers both residential and commercial property.

California also is working to ensure residents don’t lose access to essential utilities such as water, electricity and garbage service because they can’t pay their bills. Some companies, including PG&E, already have agreed they won’t shut off power during the COVID-19 crisis.

This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 4:26 PM with the headline "Update: SLO County issues ban on evictions in response to COVID-19 crisis."