As we continue to adjust to the “new normal” of a world battling the Coronavirus pandemic, previously meaningless words and phrases like the “curve,” “social distancing,” or “shelter in place” have become everyday vernacular.  New directives continue to be issued that impact our daily lives and add to an already confusing landscape of do’s and don’ts.  While good intentioned, the order has resulted in sudden, unanticipated changes in the way businesses can operate, if they can continue to operate at all.  This has caused businesses, and the individuals they employ or once employed, to experience severe financial stress with no clear end in sight.

On April 6, 2020, the Judicial Council of California adopted 11 categories of COVID-19 emergency rules to assist California courts in a variety of respects, one of which is evictions.  Pursuant to Emergency Rule 1, effective immediately, essentially all evictions and unlawful detainers are suspended.  The rule prohibits any California Court from issuing a summons on any unlawful detainer complaint, as well as entering the default of any tenant in any unlawful detainer action.  There is a narrow exception for actions necessary to “protect public health and safety;” however, this phrase is undefined.  As originally drafted, this Rule was set to remain in place until 90 days after Governor Newsom lifts the California State of Emergency declaration.