COVID-19 relief resources for tenants and small businesses
On March 17, 2020, the Arcadia City Council adopted a Declaration of Local Emergency allowing the city to enact emergency provisions including a moratorium on residential and commercial evictions for non-payment of rent due to a verified COVID-19 financial impact. The City Council order also makes price gouging unlawful, discontinues water shut-offs to residents and businesses, suspends penalties for delinquent water and sewer payments, and suspends parking restrictions and fees for parking violations. These community protection provisions will remain in effect for 60 days from the date of adoption.
If you have questions regarding city services, please contact City Hall at (626) 574-5401 or visit ArcadiaCA.gov for more information. As a reminder, City Hall is closed to the public but city services are fully available virtually.
Are you a tenant in financial distress?
Immediately contact your landlord and document in-writing how COVID-19 has injured you financially. Once the local emergency has been lifted, all unpaid rent is due to be repaid within six months or as agreed to by the parties. Landlords may not charge or collect late fees if the tenant has demonstrated financial hardship associated with COVID-19.
The City of Arcadia is not an intermediary between the tenant and landlord, and cannot waive any rent that is owed. It is therefore up to the tenant and landlord to communicate clearly and in good faith. The city is encouraging landlords and tenants to work together during this challenging time to ensure public health and safety.
Here are some additional resources for residents and businesses:
- Southern California Edison: Suspended power shut-offs due to non-payment. For more information, visit: sce.com/safety/coronavirus.
- SoCal Gas: Suspended gas shut-offs due to non-payment. For more information, visit: socalgas.com/coronavirus.
- Unemployment: For individuals who have experienced unemployment due to COVID-19, you can file a claim at the California Employment Development Department at: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm.
- Small Businesses: The U.S. Small Business Administration has made low-interest disaster loans available for COVID-19 impacts. You can find more information or apply at: sba.gov/disaster.
Per the latest information from local, state, and federal public health officials, the risk of contracting the virus remains low. There are steps individuals can take to help minimize and prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching face (eyes, nose, and mouth) with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Practice social distancing; avoid groups; maintain at least 6 feet from others.
Anyone who was recently in an area that is currently experiencing a high infection rate of COVID-19 and feels sick with a fever, cough, or has difficulty breathing within 14 days after leaving should:
- Seek medical care right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, patients should call ahead and tell them about their recent travel and symptoms.
- Self-quarantine and avoid contact with others.
- Not travel while sick.
- Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their sleeve (not their hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
For more information regarding the City of Arcadia’s response to COVID-19 along with future updates regarding city events and services, visit ArcadiaCA.gov or contact us at (626) 574-5401.
