Elk Grove bans evictions, utility shutoffs related to coronavirus. Here’s how it will work

The city of Elk Grove will halt evictions and utility shutoffs for residents impacted by the cascading effects of the new coronavirus. Local leaders unanimously approved an emergency ordinance Wednesday during a special meeting — the third one held within a week to discuss the same issue.

The city council was roundly criticized after a majority of them appeared skeptical the first time it was considered, even as other cities quickly passed laws to protect tenants and consumers. The rising threat of COVID-19 has put most businesses at a standstill. Some workers have been laid off or their hours reduced dramatically.

“The council wanted more time to evaluate it, to hear from the businesses and hear from the residents,” said Jason Behrmann, the city manager. “I think they got a lot back over the last week on the impact of this ordinance so that made them much more comfortable moving forward with adopting it.”

What the measure does

The emergency ordinance passed Wednesday night allows commercial and residential tenants to use the economic slowdown as a defense if a landlord decided to evict them for nonpayment of rent. The same protection extends to utility services, specifically water, electricity, gas and garbage.

The law goes into effect immediately and does have some restrictions. Residents must notify their landlord or the utility and show that their business or personal income was reduced by at least 20 percent to be exempt from eviction.

The ordinance also bans shutoffs and additional penalties and fees for late-payments if a resident can show their hardship is related to COVID-19.

What it doesn’t do

Large corporations like Target, Costco and Walmart are not protected since the law only benefits businesses with $25 million in annual sales or less. “The ordinance is really focused on small businesses,” Behrmann said.

The protections do not extend to internet services although some would consider it a utility. The law also doesn’t protect a tenant evicted while engaging in illegal activity.