Concord, Calif. (March 26, 2020) – The Concord City Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to enact a temporary moratorium on evictions and rent increases, for both residential and commercial properties, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The moratorium is in effect from March 25 through May 31, which is concurrent with Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-28-20, and would be automatically extended if the Governor extends his order. The Ordinance does the following:
- Protects tenants against evictions for failure to pay rent, and establishes a 90-day repayment window for each month of overdue rent, beginning with the first day following the lifting of the moratorium;
- Protects tenants against being charged late fees or other penalties for failure to pay rent and/or utilities;
- Protects most tenants against rent increases; and
- Encourages protections for landlords by urging financial institutions and utilities to freeze any foreclosure or utility shut-offs
More details about the moratorium are available at: https://www.cityofconcord.org/309/Housing-Division
Additionally, the City is establishing a mediation/advocacy program for tenants whose landlords do not comply with the temporary eviction and rent moratorium.
These steps are part of Concord’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect vulnerable members of the community. Last week, the City Council established a program to house 10 currently unsheltered families or individuals who would be at high risk of serious complications if they were they to get sick with COVID-19. The program has successfully housed 17 people, 11 are in families and five are individuals.
Additionally, the City funded a community-led program called “Concord Cares” to provide meals to seniors who are sheltering at home as a result of the pandemic. Launched on March 21, the program also utilizes volunteers to make free, safe deliveries of groceries, hardware and pet store items to seniors. Volunteers and seniors in need can learn more https://neighborexpress.org/ or call 925-338-1441.
While the Concord Senior Center remains closed, the distribution of meals continues through the CC Café Senior Nutrition program operated by County staff. On Tuesday, 38 seniors participated in the once-a-week pick up of frozen meals, each receiving seven nutritious meals designed to be heated up at home. CC Café participants need to call 925-825-1488 and leave a message, Meals-on-Wheels Diablo Region staff will respond to those calls.
To learn more about the City’s efforts, please visit the City’s COVID-19 web page: www.cityofconcord.org/COVID19.