Santa Barbara Mayor and City Council further protect tenants from eviction for nonpayment due to COVID-19

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo and the City Council acted to further protect commercial and residential tenants from eviction for not paying their rent because of the COVID-19 emergency.

The Temporary Eviction Moratorium Ordinance (TEMO) allows a tenant to delay paying all or part of their rent by sending a written notice to their property owner or agent within 20 days after the rent was due.

The written notice must describe a significant negative change to the tenant's financial situation, making them unable to pay their rent or pay it in full.

Commercial tenants must also describe how the unforeseen challenges of the pandemic have impacted their financial situation.

The City said TEMO is effective until the Executive Order expires on May 31 unless extended by the Governor or City Council.

City Council and the Mayor made the following changes to the order during Tuesday's meeting:

• Institute a 12-month payback period that could be negotiated for a shorter period of time,
• Back rent payments to be made in 12 equal monthly installments with no interest,
• As long as the new payments were made on time there would be no cause for eviction,
• Tenants or landlords could request assistance from rental housing mediation board,
• The ability for the renter to provide written notice to landlord via text.

In addition, City Council directed staff to create a bilingual renter helpline for those in financial trouble. The aim of the hotline is to help under water renters navigate their rights under the emergency ordinance.

For more information on the specific requirements of the TEMO ordinance, you can go to the City Attorney’s Rental Housing Information website.

For other questions about the TEMO ordinance (English or Spanish), you can email TEMO@santabarbaraca.gov or call (805) 564-5330.