S.F. Extends Commercial Eviction Moratorium As Reopening Is Paused

San Francisco Mayor London Breed extended the city's commercial eviction moratorium by another month on Friday, as a surge of coronavirus cases led officials to delay the city's reopening plan.

The ban, which applies to commercial tenants unable to pay rent as a result of the pandemic or shelter-in-place orders, would have expired Thursday without Breed's latest extension but now goes until at least Aug. 15. The mayor's decision Friday marks the fourth time the city has extended the moratorium.

It also coincides with coronavirus cases increasing in S.F. and officials deciding to delay the city's reopening plan. Businesses like gyms, nail salons and barbershops, among others the city planned to let reopen Monday, were no longer allowed to do so as of Friday.

A new decision on a reopening timeline for that set of businesses is expected this week, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday. 

The city's eviction moratorium applies to commercial tenants registered to do businesses in S.F., earning sales of $25M or less per year and having missed a rent payment since March 17. A business then has six months to pay all outstanding rent before being subject to eviction for nonpayment. 

"I find that emergency conditions continue to exist due to the ongoing public health crisis arising from COVID-19 and the economic impacts it has caused, warranting extension of the moratorium," the executive order signed by Breed states.