As California moves forward with its post-pandemic recovery, one critical issue remains unsettled: whether eviction protections for tenants with unpaid rent will continue beyond June 30. What was initially a temporary emergency order has proven difficult to unwind as the economic impact of the pandemic continues to linger for many residents.
A Bold Promise to Cover Past-Due Rent
Governor Gavin Newsom has pledged that California will cover all unpaid rent accumulated during the pandemic using $5.2 billion in federal funds. The aim is to offer renters a clean slate while ensuring landlords are made whole.
However, distribution of these funds has been slower than expected. As of the end of May, only $32 million had been paid out from the $490 million requested—excluding funds handled by local governments running their own rental assistance programs.
The Debate Over Extension
Tenant advocates and landlord groups are locked in debate over how long the protections should last. With unemployment still high among low-wage workers, many argue that lifting the moratorium now would place vulnerable renters at risk.
Kelli Lloyd, a single mother living in Los Angeles, is $30,000 behind on rent after staying home with her children during school and daycare closures. “Simply because the state has opened back up doesn’t mean people have access to their jobs,” she said.
Meanwhile, landlords are growing weary. In Sonoma County, property manager Keith Becker says some tenants owe over $100,000, creating financial stress for property owners. “We should do our best to get back to the starting point where we were in December 2019,” he said.
A Disproportionate Impact on Low-Income Workers
While California’s job market is recovering—adding 495,000 new jobs since February—progress isn’t evenly distributed. Employment among middle- and high-income earners has rebounded, but low-wage jobs are still down more than 38% from pre-pandemic levels.
Housing advocates want eviction protections to remain until these disparities level out. Many argue that tying the end of protections to the employment rate among low-income workers is a more equitable solution.
Next Steps
As part of the state budget negotiations, Governor Newsom and legislative leaders are expected to decide on the future of eviction protections. Newsom has signaled support for an extension, and advocacy groups remain cautiously hopeful.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: California’s recovery will depend not just on economic growth, but on how inclusively and equitably that recovery unfolds.