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The media has always held a gleaming spotlight over the British royal family, literally from birth (hello Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor) to death (who doesn’t remember Princess Diana’s infamous car crash?). It’s so entertaining that whenever anything big or small happens, the world becomes fully engrossed. This has never been truer than over the last few weeks as it relates to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. As the high-profile celebrity couple bared a great number of behind-the-scenes tidbits during their highly-anticipated interview with Oprah, the media — and public — scrutiny burst into overdrive. Racism in the Royal Family Animosity arose after Meghan Markle accused the royal family of being racist. She noted that “They were saying they didn't want to be a prince or a princess, not knowing what the gender would be, which would be different from protocol…. They said they want to change the convention for Archie.” She then added there were “concerns and conversations about how dark skin might be when he's born.” The royal family have all come out to denounce this accusation. “We are very much not a racist family,” Prince William stated. The Queen added, “Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.” Harry’s Royal Family Relationship It appears that Prince Harry’s relationship with his father and brother has also become strained. This could stem from Harry and Meghan’s decision to permanently leave their roles as working royals so as to pursue their own private business arrangements. Meghan’s Mental State as a Royal In one of the more shocking moments, Meghan revealed that she contemplated suicide while living as a royal. With the barrage of hateful attacks against her and Harry across social media when it was first revealed that the couple were officially dating, this is far from implausible, though some media figures would disagree. British TV host Piers Morgan attacked Meghan in the days following the interview by admitting he didn’t believe a word Meghan said in the entire interview. Soon after his remarks, Morgan left his perch as host when he wouldn’t apologize for his beliefs. On a Happier Note Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting a baby girl this summer! Regardless of whether anyone lied, or each side has a version of events that may have been exaggerated, Harry and Meghan have a lot to look forward to in the future, including, among other things, a production deal with Netflix. As for the British Royal family, the Queen, although disappointed that the couple have disavowed their place among the family, insists they are still loved and welcome as members of the royal family. Did Harry and Meghan go too far in the interview with Oprah? Who’s to say. When you’re in such a steady, unforgiving spotlight, there is a fine line to walk. All we know for sure is this won’t be the last time we hear from or of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

In March 2020, California Governor Newsom signed legislation for AB 3088, or the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act (CTRA), putting a freeze on tenant evictions if they could prove a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was a landmark piece of legislation that has helped plenty of tenants remain in their homes during this unprecedented crisis, however, many landlords have also suffered, as they are unable to meet their own financial obligations. The CTRA does include some protections for landlords, but that doesn’t mean it protects or mitigates them from all financial impacts. What can landlords do, then, under this law to help protect their investment? Contact Your Lender Some landlords may have cash in reserve to help them weather the storm. However, if you rely heavily on monthly rents to pay your mortgage, contact your lender to see what types of protections may be in place. Make sure to ask if your loan is backed federally. If it is, you may request forbearance in accordance with the CARES act to help you from becoming delinquent. If not, there may still be forbearance options and other state and federally funded programs or property tax breaks available. Seek Agreements from Tenants No one wants to cause undue burden on their tenants. Make good-faith efforts to help them as much as possible. For instance, if your current financials allow, waive rent for a month or two, postpone rent payments or create a payment plan that will help them get back on their feet. If you are struggling, ask the tenant if they can pay a small portion, or help them seek financial assistance from the government. Refer to the disaster loan assistance web page for guidance. Make sure to document these efforts. Evictions Although the CTRA Act places a moratorium on evictions due to COVID-19 financial hardships, a landlord may still evict a tenant for a variety of other reasons, including pet violations or nuisance claims. However, make sure to follow the steps mandated by law and seek the guidance of an qualified attorney before moving forward. For example, Landlords must provide their tenant with a Declaration of COVID-19-related financial distress along with any eviction notice. The tenant is required to sign and return this declaration within 15 days. This is just one of many requirements landlords must meet in order to evict a tenant while the CTRA is in effect. State Rental Assistance Program If a landlord chooses to file for the State Rental Assistance Program, they may be reimbursed for any unpaid rents up to 80 percent if the landlord agrees to waive the other 20 percent. Lawsuits Remember, the CTRA is a moratorium on evictions, not rent. Upon the termination of the CTRA, landlords may file a suit in small claims court (beginning August 2021) for all unpaid rents. You must prove that you have made all good-faith efforts in helping the tenant with this burden.