Renters and Landlords Urged to Apply for Rent Relief

Apartment for rent on E. California Blvd. (Photo – Emmanuel Kraultez).

Congress has provided over $46.5 billion to help the nation’s renters and landlords ensure that no renter loses their home during the global pandemic.

By News Desk

The State of California has received $5.2 billion of those funds to cover up to 100 percent of unpaid or future rent.  The funds also may help low-income renters pay some or all their unpaid utility bills, including gas, electric, water and internet services.

California’s COVID-19 Rent Relief program greatly improved the application process, and it more than doubled the number of case managers and local partners assisting applicants. Across the State, over 150 community-based partners, including Chinatown Service Center and other organizations in LA County, are providing application assistance via phone, in-office, and virtual.   Computers/tablets are available as well as document drop-off options for applicants in a variety of languages.

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) was joined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), Chinatown Service Center, and Neighborhood Legal Services Los Angeles to encourage more tenants and landlords to apply for the California COVID-19 Rent Relief program. She issued the following statement:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created unparalleled financial difficulties for so many families through no fault of their own. And with the Delta variant surging in LA County, ensuring everyone has a safe and stable place to live is more important than ever. Congress wanted to protect renters from eviction both through eviction moratoriums and direct rental assistance, and California has received over $5 billion to ensure everyone remains housed. I strongly encourage both renters and landlords to submit an application for rent relief at HousingIsKey.com, or to contact a local partner organization listed on that website to help you with your application as soon as possible. And for our immigrant communities, please know that the state does not collect any information regarding your immigration status. So if you are undocumented or a green card holder, you can still be eligible for aid. Please apply today!”