Goals of Today’s Presentation

• Learn about recent extensions to state eviction protections

• Find out about the COVID-19 Rent Relief program •What it covers

• Eligibility and how to apply •How to get help with your application in person and by phone •How to check your application status / What to expect •Learn about Legal Aid and How to Access It

OVERVIEW

● Federal rental assistance funding made available from the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) makes this program possible.

● Round 1 + Round 2 funds = Estimated $5.2 billion in federal funds to the state and local governments for rental assistance.

● State Laws (AB 3088, SB 91, and AB 832) set the authority for ○Financial assistance for landlords and tenants with rent and utility debt. ○Eviction and other protections for non-payment of rent through September 30, 2021.

○ A temporary court process for evictions beginning October 1, 2021.

Thumbnail Sketch: CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program

● State program application portal launched March 15, 2021.

● Program Focus: Stabilize low-income households through the payment of rental arrears to landlords and tenants.

● Over 130 organizations in our Local Partner Network with “boots on the ground” to assist people in their communities.

● As of 8/20, $320 million in rent and utility assistance has been paid to 27,039 households.

CA Rent Relief Program Parameters

● Landlord and tenant applicants are compensated 100% for:

○ Unpaid rent accrued on or after April 1, 2020

○ Current and Prospective rent (in 3-month increments)

○ Utilities (past and prospective)

● Non-Occupancy Payments: Allows rental assistance to be paid in situations where the tenant has vacated the premises but still owes rental arrears.

● Payments to Landlords or Tenants: Requires tenants that receive direct payments to remit the payment to the landlord within 15 business days or face a penalty.

Eligibility, Prioritization & Eligible Uses

● Eligibility ○Income must be below 80% AMI. ○Risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

○ Experienced financial hardships due, directly or indirectly, to COVID-19.

○ No proof of citizenship or immigration status is required.

● Prioritization to those most at risk of eviction and impacted by COVID-19.

● Eligible uses include rental arrears, prospective rent, utility arrears, prospective utilities, and other housing-related services.

How and where to apply: HousingIsKey.com

State Program Pre-Application Checklist: What Information Do Tenants and Landlords Need to Apply?

The Application is designed to give flexibility in HOW a tenant or landlord can meet these requirements. The Pre-Application Checklist lists recommended documents, but an Applicant may also work with a Case Manager to find alternatives if necessary.

Program Improvements

● New simplified application

○ Uptick in applications submitted

○ Less time to complete

○ Quicker to review

● Website fully translated in six languages Easier to navigate website