CA SB91

Extends eviction protections and rental assistance eligibility for COVID-19 financial hardship from February 1, 2021, to July 1, 2021, covering unpaid rent between March 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021.

Prohibits housing providers and tenant screening companies from using alleged COVID-19 rental debt as a negative factor in housing applications and prevents sale or assignment of COVID-19 rental debt during the covered period.

Establishes a $1.5 billion state rental assistance program administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development to provide financial assistance to eligible households for rental arrears, prospective rent, and utilities.

Requires landlords seeking to recover COVID-19 rental debt to document good faith efforts to help tenants obtain rental assistance and prohibits excessive attorney's fees (capped at $500 uncontested, $1,000 contested).

Restricts court access to eviction case records filed between March 4, 2020, and June 30, 2021, based on nonpayment of rent until July 1, 2021, and requires landlords to verify they have not received rental assistance before obtaining judgment.