Evictions off until further notice in Lake County

Dozens of Lake County residents have contacted the Lake County sheriff's office with concerns that their landlords will evict them during the coronavirus stay-at-home order.

Lake County sheriff's office spokesman Christopher Covelli reinforced Friday that because of the pandemic, the sheriff's office on March 15 stopped enforcing eviction notices until further notice.

"Many renters are being told by property owners they are being evicted," Covelli said Friday. "But a property owner does not have the authority to forcefully remove someone from their property, without a court order. And the sheriff is the only person who can enforce that court order."

Covelli said property owners should keep in mind that there will likely be a surge in attempts to schedule evictions with the sheriff's office when the moratorium is lifted, so there is the potential for a backlog.

"We do understand the situation both property owners and renters are currently facing," Covelli said. "During these unprecedented times, it is imperative we come together as a community, support one another, and work to keep each other safe."