Update: Elk Grove temporary eviction ban to protect renters affected by coronavirus fails

The city of Elk Grove failed to pass a temporary ban on evictions to protect renters who can’t pay because they’ve been financially affected by the coronavirus.

The move comes after California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Monday allowing local governments to put limitations on evictions for people and businesses affected by the virus. The city of Sacramento adopted a similar ban Tuesday.

The Elk Grove City Council reviewed the proposed temporary ban during a special meeting Wednesday. The emergency ban, if it had passed, would have been in effect until May 31 “unless extended or earlier terminated.”

The proposed ordinance failed. All councilmembers except Mayor Steve Ly voted to reject the ban, arguing during the meeting they wanted to hold off on a decision and “consider what options might come from the private sector,” said city spokeswoman Kristyn Laurence in an email.

“They also wanted to connect with more landlords and tenants to see if there might be a better option than what was proposed,” Laurence said.

Under the temporary ban, landlords wouldn’t be able to evict people who are unable to pay rent “as the result of a substantial decrease in household or business income” related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

In recent weeks, consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe have threatened to destabilize the economy. Restaurants have been forced to serve to-go orders exclusively, or close down entirely, as local officials call on residents to stay home. A recent poll by NPR, PBS NewsHour and Marist found nearly one in five adults reported that they had been laid off or that their work hours had been cut recently.

The Elk Grove emergency ordinance would cover people who have been laid off, had work hours reduced, or have seen a substantial decrease in business income caused by a reduction in opening hours or consumer demand.

People who have had to pay a substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses caused by COVID-19 would also be covered under the ordinance.

In addition, Elk Grove will not discontinue services or charge late fees for city utilities such as solid waste or drainage.

Other utilities such as power and water are provided by other public agencies and aren’t covered in the ordinance, but city officials are encouraging these providers to adopt similar measures.

This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 4:49 PM.