On May 26, 2020, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved a 30-day extension on the adopted Emergency Regulation 2020-001. The emergency resolution placed a temporary moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent by those directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for residential tenants countywide and for small business commercial tenants in unincorporated San Mateo County The Emergency Regulation is now set to expire on June 30, 2020.  

While the emergency regulation remains in effect, if a tenant does not make a rent payment when it is due, and the landlord wishes to move forward with an eviction for that failure to timely pay rent, the landlord must first send the tenant a copy of the updated "Notice Re: San Mateo County Emergency Regulation 2020-001" and follow the instructions described in the regulation.

After the landlord provides the tenant with a copy of this Notice, the tenant has 14 days to notify the landlord in writing  that the tenant cannot pay the rent in full and on time, and provide the landlord with documentation showing that the tenant’s inability to pay is directly due to COVID-19. 

Ways that a tenant’s inability to pay rent may include:

• Increased out-of-pocket medical costs related to COVID-19
• Loss of household income as a result of being sick or caring for a household member who is sick with COVID-19 or as a result of caring for a household or family member who is sick with COVID-19
• Loss of income because of a lay-off, loss of hours, loss of business, or other income reduction resulting from COVID-19
• Inability to work because of the need to care for minor children affected by school, preschool and/or childcare closures

Landlords and tenants who have questions can review the Frequently Asked Questions or contact the San Mateo County Department of Housing via email or by calling 650-363-7873.