Eviction Moratoriums and Their Aftermath: What Landlords Need to Know Now
Navigating the Post-Pandemic Eviction Landscape with Confidence and Legal Clarity
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered sweeping eviction moratoriums across San Diego, leaving many landlords uncertain, frustrated, and financially strained. Now that most of those moratoriums have ended, the rental market is still feeling the effects—and new tenant protections continue to emerge.
If you’re a landlord looking to regain control of your property or enforce lease terms, understanding the legal shifts post-moratorium is crucial.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general educational information and does not constitute legal advice.
What Were Eviction Moratoriums—and Why Do They Still Matter?
From federal CDC orders to state and city-level bans, eviction moratoriums halted most non-payment evictions during the height of the pandemic. While the goal was public health and housing stability, the policies left many landlords without rental income—and with limited recourse.
Now, as these policies expire, courts are handling backlogs, tenants are asserting new rights, and local governments are rewriting the rules of eviction.
Key Legal Developments Since the Moratoriums Ended
1. Case Backlogs Are Delaying Eviction Hearings
In San Diego, courts are still dealing with a surge of delayed cases. This can affect your ability to schedule an eviction or have it enforced in a timely manner.
What to Do: File thoroughly, double-check procedural requirements, and be prepared for extended timelines.
2. New Tenant Protections Are Emerging
California and cities in San Diego have made parts of the moratorium permanent or passed new legislation that slows down or complicates the eviction process.
Examples include:
Longer notice periods before filing
Mandatory mediation
Proof of financial hardship requirements
Just cause eviction standards
What to Do: Stay updated on local rules—what was once routine may now be restricted.
3. Non-Payment Evictions Are Still the Most Scrutinized
Evictions for non-payment of rent remain a sensitive legal area. Judges are asking for more documentation, and tenant advocates are quick to challenge claims.
What to Do: Document every communication, late payment, and attempt to resolve the issue before filing.
4. Rent Assistance Programs Can Complicate Timelines
If your tenant applied for rent assistance—even retroactively—it may delay or halt the eviction process.
What to Do: Check local rules about rent relief, and be ready to show that no pending aid exists or has already been applied.
How Ahmad Law Group Supports Landlords Post-Moratorium
At Ahmad Law Group, we help landlords:
Evaluate their case eligibility under new rules
Draft and serve proper notices
File legally sound eviction cases
Navigate court delays and tenant defenses
Avoid costly legal missteps
We focus especially on evictions for non-payment or lease violations—cases where timing, compliance, and precision matter most.
The end of eviction moratoriums didn’t bring an end to complexity. In fact, the rules are now more layered and landlord obligations more nuanced than ever. Whether you’re trying to recover your rental income or remove a non-compliant tenant, the key is to move strategically—and legally.
Let Ahmad Law Group guide you through this new legal landscape with confidence and clarity.