By Lookout Staff

January 20, 2021 -- The City on Tuesday extended to March 31 its eviction moratorium for commercial tenants unable to pay rent due to the financial impacts of COVID-19.

The City had issued a similar order for residential tenants last month ("City Extends Eviction Moratorium, Allows Appointed Boards to Meet," December 22, 2020).

The thirty-second supplemental order extends by 90 days -- from June 30 to September 30 -- the period in which commercial tenants may repay unpaid rent.

The order also extends the expiration of the City’s local emergency and associated supplements to March 31 "given the continued community spread and economic impacts of COVID-19," officials said.

“As many of our residents and businesses continue to struggle with the devastating economic toll caused by the pandemic, we are committed to helping our community members to stay housed,” said Interim City Manager Lane Dilg.

“Every vaccine provided and every decrease in hospitalizations provides hope, but we know we still have a long road to travel to full economic recovery. As a City, we intend to walk alongside our community members each step of the way.”

Tuesday's order extends the City’s moratorium on evictions of residential tenants for non-payment of rent to cover rent due and unpaid because of financial impacts related to COVID-19 between January 31 and March 31.

The order also extends the expiration of supplements still in place to January 31 unless a later expiration date is stated.

In addition, it authorizes the Big Blue Bus to "modify its contract with the entity that solicits bus advertising to account for the COVID-19 downturn in the market for such advertising."

For the latest information visit santamonica.gov/coronavirus, or call the City’s Coronavirus Hotline at (310) 458-8400.