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Santa Barbara County has channeled more than $13.2 million to tenants and is preparing to expend another $16.6 million in rental assistance to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report from the Community Services Department.

Virtual Sessions Advise Prompt Communication with Landlords

In a county notorious for exorbitant rent prices, coronavirus has created housing concerns for tenants who’ve lost their paychecks. In response to tenant inquiries, as well as frequent changes in government rules, Legal Aid of Santa Barbara County and the City of Santa Maria hosted an hour-long virtual information session on May 8 addressing rent payments and evictions for people who have been temporarily or permanently laid off.

United Way Taking Applications for New Rental Support Program

Small signals indicate California’s pandemic emergency is lightening up, perhaps none more consequential for Santa Barbara than the end of the state eviction moratorium on September 30. Millions in federal funds have flowed into Santa Barbara to support rent and utility payments, but evictions appear to be on the increase.

Residential tenants who cannot afford to pay all or part of their April rent due to negative impacts from COVID-19 must take certain steps to gain legal protection available from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent Executive Order regarding evictions.

Eviction of Hundreds of Tenants in Isla Vista Raises Call for ‘Just Eviction’ Ordinance

Amid mass rental eviction notices in Isla Vista, local community organizations are mobilizing to try to protect tenants.