Governor Doug Ducey has issued an executive order stopping evictions of small businesses and nonprofits that can’t pay their rent because of the economic impacts of COVID-19.
It also encourages commercial landlords in Arizona to defer rent payments for small-business tenants facing hardship because of the disease, and to consider waiving fees and interest from late payments. The order is in effect until May 31st.
“This order helps ensure no small business or nonprofit will face eviction due to COVID-19 and that landlords and small businesses work in partnership to make sure we get through this emergency together,” Ducey said in a press release. “There’s more work to do to ensure Arizona’s small businesses can make it through this public health emergency. As we continue to prioritize public health, we will continue to do everything in our power to support those in our small business and nonprofit communities serving us.”
Ducey last month struck an agreement with the state’s banks to shield small businesses and families from eviction and foreclosure. In addition, according to governor’s office, banks also committed to speeding up the application and approval process for small business loans as part of the Paycheck Protection Program signed into law last month.
