The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program covers 100% of unpaid rent and utilities for eligible renters and their landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19. The program will continue accepting applications until all funds are exhausted. Beginning October 1, 2021, state eviction protections changed, and a renter should apply to the program if they haven’t already, to prevent eviction.
As of October 1, 2021, landlords seeking an eviction based on non-payment of COVID-related debt or of rental debt incurred between October 1, 2021 and March 30, 2022, must prove that that they have applied to the COVID-19 Rent Relief program, and that the application has been denied or the renter has failed to complete their section, before a legal eviction can take place. Eligible renters who are at risk of eviction are urged to apply, even if their landlord has not applied.
HOW TO APPLY
To check eligibility and apply, visit HousingIsKey.com or call 833-430-2122. For assistance in another language, or to verify eligibility, get help with an application or upload paperwork, applicants are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a local organization by calling 833-687-0967.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Renters: Eligible renters who have unpaid rent due to COVID-19 and are at risk of eviction should apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program as soon as possible. As of October 1, 2021, if an eviction notice is received, a renter has 15 business days to apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program AND must notify their landlord that they’ve applied. Renters do not need to wait to receive an eviction notice before applying for the program. The sooner a renter applies for rent relief, the sooner they will be protected from eviction for non-payment of COVID-related debt.
Landlords: Landlords with tenants who owe unpaid rent due to COVID-19 must apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program before starting an eviction process and should consider submitting a joint application with their tenant. Upon approval, landlords will be paid directly for 100% of an eligible renters’ unpaid rent.
Once an application is submitted by either party, both parties will be notified to submit any additional information needed to complete the application process or will be informed of approval and payment processing. All applicant information is kept private and will not be shared. Eligible applicants may qualify regardless of immigration status and will not be required to show proof of citizenship.
If a landlord does not participate in the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program, a renter should still apply on their own, notify their landlord of their application, and if approved, will receive 100% financial assistance for their unpaid rent. Once funds are received, the renter must pay their landlord within five business days.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU KNOW?
Assistance from the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program does NOT count as earned income for renters and will NOT affect eligibility for any other California state benefit assistance programs, such as CalFresh and CalWORKS. Applying to the program will not impact your residency status or impact path to citizenship.