Section 8

Fannie Mae: https://www.knowyouroptions.com/covid19assistance https://www.fanniemae.com/portal/covid-19.html Freddie Mac: https://myhome.freddiemac.com/own/getting-help-disaster.html https://sf.freddiemac.com/client-resource-center#fa-qs-resources https://myhome.freddiemac.com/renting/relief-for-landlords-and-renters.html CFPB: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options/

Despite California's freeze on most evictions during the COVID-19 crisis, some landlords are sending legal notices saying they'll start the eviction process unless the tenant pays up within 72 hours - or moves out. Landlords cannot currently ask courts to physically remove tenants who do not pay their rent on time, but tenant advocates say these warnings - formally called a "three-day notice to pay rent or quit" - are both legal and jarring. "It's still very frightening to most tenants to get this notice," said Sarah Steinheimer, regional counsel with Legal Services of Northern California, which serves low-income residents. "It's telling them, 'If you don't do one of these two things, we will start legal action against you.'" On April 6, the Judicial Council of California, the policy making body of the state's courts, suspended most eviction and foreclosure proceedings statewide until 90 days after the coronavirus state of emergency is lifted. Its ruling, however, allowed landlords to start the eviction process for tenants who fail to pay rent. "As a result, tenants may get notices, they may get legal papers, or they may get things that look like legal papers," said Brian Augusta, legislative advocate with the California Rual Legal Assistance Foundation, which helps low-income residents. "Our field offices are continuing to hear from tenants who are concerned about what all this means for them and what they should do if they can't pay the rent." While some landlords have worked out payment plans with renters, Augusta noted that tenants are obligated to eventually pay up. "At some point, when all of this crisis is lifted, that rent is still owed," he said,

Los Angeles County's economic outlook has taken a hard hit from the COVID-19 crisis, with officials forecasting a $1 billion decline in sales tax revenue this fiscal year ending on June 30, 2020. Looking ahead, the sales tax decline is expected to surpass $2 billion between now and the end of the next fiscal year on June 30, 2021. At the same time, Los Angeles County is incurring heavy expenses in responding to the crisis and will be working closely with the state and federal government in the months ahead on issues of potential reimbursement. "The budget outlook is critically important for Los Angeles County to allocate resources effectively and to plan for the essential programs and services residents rely on in all of our communities," said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. "As we continue to collaboratively address the COVID-19 public health crisis, we remain committed to meeting the needs of residents across L.A. County."

Malcolm Bennett receives proclamation from County of Los Angeles in recognition of his participation in LeaseUp Los Angeles and for his commitment to helping house people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. Presented by Supervisors Sheila Kuell, Kathryn Barger, Hilda Solis, Janice Hahn and Mark Ridley Thomas.