California Renters Assistance Update – Here are the highlights of the Government Assistance program for past due rent as originally rolled out:
- Unpaid Rent – Landlords who participate in the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program can get reimbursed for 80% of an eligible renter’s unpaid rent between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, if they agree to waive the remaining 20% of unpaid rent during that specific time period. Eligible renters whose landlords choose not to participate in the program may apply on their own and receive 25% of unpaid rent between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Paying this 25% by June 30, 2021 can help keep you in your home under the extended eviction protections in SB 91.
- Future Rent – Eligible renters can receive future rent assistance equal to 25% of their monthly rent. Combined with the assistance available for unpaid rent, future assistance will help renters stay housed once the eviction protections in SB 91 expire on June 30, 2021.
- Utility Assistance – Eligible renters may also receive assistance for unpaid utilities and future payments. Unpaid utilities accumulated from April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021 will be compensated at 100% of cost, limited to a total of 12 months. Applications must include all required information, along with necessary verification items. Once an application has been successfully processed, both the landlord and renter will be notified about the application status. The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program is not on a first come, first served basis. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. For all applications received, the state will first review and commit funds to applicants who are eligible and meet the priority requirement having income at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI) to ensure those most in need receive assistance.
Click here for further information regarding the California Renters Assistance program.
As of June 16th, the state has updated its COVID-19 rental assistance program. Below are some key revisions that have been made:
- The application no longer attempts to establish a lease extension if rental assistance is provided when the lease (a) has expired or (b) will expire during the period for which assistance is provided.
- The application no longer requires the tenant to certify that there has been no material violation of the lease by the tenant or any other household member to qualify for assistance.
- The application no longer states that a landlord may not pursue a judgment for possession or damages for any future nonpayment of rent or nonrenewal of the lease for 60 days after the final month for which assistance is made.
- The application requires less information about other household members.
It is vital to continue monitoring the website for application status. We have learned for the City of Los Angeles they have put applications on hold if the resident is over 30% of median income. For those applications on hold, those members can file an additional application through the State.