Eviction Defense Center

Berkeley’s COVID-19 eviction moratorium expired Thursday, ending more than three years of eviction protections for tenants economically impacted by the pandemic. 

Berkeley’s eviction moratorium expired the end of April and entered its transition period, which will last until Aug. 31.

During their Tuesday meeting, Berkeley City Council began by adjourning their meeting in honor of Patricia DeVito, Beatrice Barrigher and David Lance Goines. All had been long-standing and influential members of the community who had passed away within the last six months.

Berkeley community members celebrated the conversion of a building on Solano Avenue into affordable housing Wednesday after a thwarted attempt to evict the building’s residents under the Ellis Act.

The eight rent-controlled units that once encompassed 1921 Walnut St. are now little more than a barren construction site.

Berkeley City Council met Tuesday to discuss the city’s 2022 fiscal year budget, police reform, housing assistance and funding for the arts. 

The city of Emeryville was served a temporary restraining order April 19, halting its efforts to evict residents of the Ashby/Shellmound encampment.

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín held a virtual town hall Monday evening to discuss the declining COVID-19 rates in the city and Alameda County, as well as address audience questions about topics such as summer programs and housing assistance.

As a result of COVID-19 concerns, Alameda County will request a waiver to not conduct its biennial, federally mandated count of homeless residents this year.

Numerous jurisdictions have recognized this loophole and banned Ellis Act evictions during the pandemic. Berkeley must join them.