MJP –
As the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact renters across California, the state has extended its rent relief program to provide financial support for tenants who are still struggling to pay rent due to pandemic-related hardships.
The California COVID-19 Rent Relief program aims to help prevent evictions and support tenants who have been disproportionately affected by job losses, health issues, and other pandemic-related challenges.
If you’re a California tenant who’s been impacted by COVID-19, you may be eligible for financial assistance to cover unpaid rent and utilities. Here’s everything you need to know about the extended rent relief program and how to apply.
What Is California’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Program?
California’s COVID-19 Rent Relief program was designed to provide financial assistance to renters who were unable to pay rent due to COVID-19-related hardships. The program is part of a larger federal and state effort to prevent evictions, reduce housing instability, and offer relief to both tenants and landlords.
The program has been extended several times as the pandemic’s economic impact lingered. The latest extension allows tenants who have been unable to pay rent due to COVID-19-related financial difficulties to apply for up to 100% of unpaid rent and utilities from April 2020 through March 2024.
Who Is Eligible for the Rent Relief?
To qualify for California’s COVID-19 Rent Relief program, tenants must meet certain criteria. Here are the key eligibility requirements:
- COVID-19 Hardship: Tenants must have experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic. This includes job loss, reduction in income, illness, or other factors directly related to COVID-19. Tenants must be able to demonstrate how the pandemic impacted their ability to pay rent.
- Income Limits: Renters must have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI) for their county. Income eligibility requirements vary depending on your household size and county, so it’s important to check the specific income limits for your area. Typically, this includes those who earn between $60,000 and $90,000 per year, but the exact number depends on your location and household size.
- Unpaid Rent: Renters must have past-due rent from April 2020 through March 2024. The program covers rent arrears, as well as unpaid utility bills, up to 100% of the amount owed.
- California Residency: The applicant must be renting in California and be a legal resident of the state. The rent relief program applies to both single-family homes and apartments, including mobile homes.
- Documentation: Tenants will need to provide documentation to prove their financial hardship, such as proof of income, a notice of eviction (if applicable), and a declaration of COVID-19-related hardship. However, landlords are also required to verify the tenants’ eligibility and agree to participate in the program.
How Much Assistance Can Tenants Receive?
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Eligible renters can receive up to 100% of their unpaid rent and utilities for the period between April 2020 and March 2024. The amount of assistance will depend on the tenant’s financial situation, how much rent is owed, and whether the landlord agrees to the terms of the program.
For tenants who owe rent or utilities for more than 18 months, the program is offering 100% coverage. This includes unpaid rent for both the months when moratoriums were in place and for the months following when eviction protections were lifted.
What Does the Program Cover?
The program covers the following:
- Back rent: Rent payments that have been missed due to financial hardship caused by COVID-19, dating back to April 2020.
- Utility bills: Unpaid electricity, water, sewer, gas, and trash services, as well as internet bills.
- Future rent: In some cases, tenants can receive assistance for future rent payments for a limited period.
The funding is directly paid to landlords, so tenants don’t need to worry about handling the funds themselves. If you qualify, payments will be made to your landlord on your behalf, but only if your landlord agrees to the terms of the program.
How to Apply for Rent Relief
Applying for rent relief is a relatively simple process, and tenants can apply directly through the California COVID-19 Rent Relief website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Create an Account: Visit the California COVID-19 Rent Relief website (https://housing.ca.gov) and create an account.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form, providing the necessary documentation to prove your eligibility. This includes proof of income, a declaration of COVID-19-related hardship, and rental arrears.
- Landlord Participation: Your landlord will need to verify your application and agree to participate in the program. They will be asked to confirm the amount of rent you owe and accept the rent relief funds.
- Await Approval: Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). If approved, your landlord will receive the funds directly.
The application process is available in multiple languages, and assistance is provided for those who need help completing their application.
Important Deadlines
While the California Rent Relief program has been extended, there are still important deadlines to be aware of:
- Applications must be submitted by March 2024 to receive assistance for rent or utilities owed during the eligible period.
- Eviction protections are tied to the rent relief program, so if you’re applying for assistance, you should also inquire about the status of eviction protections in your area.
What Happens if My Landlord Doesn’t Agree?
If your landlord refuses to participate in the rent relief program or does not cooperate with the process, you may still be eligible for assistance.
The state is working to resolve these issues, and in some cases, tenants can apply for a “direct payment” option if their landlord declines to accept the funding.
Conclusion
California’s COVID-19 Rent Relief program provides much-needed assistance to tenants who have struggled financially due to the pandemic. If you’ve experienced a COVID-related hardship and are behind on rent or utilities, now is the time to apply for financial relief.
Make sure to review the eligibility requirements, gather the necessary documentation, and apply through the official website. This rent relief program can help provide a lifeline for those facing housing instability, preventing eviction and allowing tenants to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.
