California’s Rent Relief Program provides assistance to both renters and landlords who have been adversely affected by COVID-19. Qualified renters and landlords are eligible for 100% of past due rent and utility bills. Depending on where you live in the state, you may be eligible for program.

Go to the state map to find out if you are eligible for the state program, a local program, or both.

Program Overview


  • Financial assistance is free and open to all eligible tenants and landlords who need assistance with past due and future rent and utility bills.

  • Applicants who are income eligible will not be required to show proof of citizenship to receive assistance.

  • Financial assistance through the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program does not count as income for renters.

  • Participation in this program will not adversely affect your eligibility for other state assistance programs, such as CalWORKS or CALFresh.

  • The application process is ongoing. Priority is given to applicants who are most at risk of being evicted.

  • Tenants and landlords will be notified as soon as their applications are successfully processed.

  • The application process is ongoing. Priority is given to applicants who are most at risk of being evicted.

  • Tenants and landlords will be notified as soon as their applications are successfully processed.


For more information, contact the program Call Center toll free: 1-833-430-2122.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
Renters who have qualifying income (this will be calculated by the state at the time of the application) and have past due rent and utility bills are eligible to apply for the program.

Landlords who have tenants with past due rent may receive assistance to compensate for their income loss as long as:

  • The tenant is income eligible (income will be calculated by the state at the time of the application)

  • The money received can only be used to satisfy past due rent. Time frame dates back to April 1, 2020.

  • Landlord’s tenants must verify the eligibility requirements and sign the application. The state will notify tenants after landlords have submitted their application and request the required information.


Applicants who are income eligible will not be required to submit proof of citizenship in order to receive assistance.

How do you apply?
This link will take you to the application webpage. Call toll free 1-833-687-0967 if you need assistance in another language, help filling out the application, uploading paperwork, or scheduling an appointment with a program in your area.

What documentation is required?
Landlords
You will need ALL of these documents:

  • Lease or rental agreement showing tenant’s name, address, and monthly rent

  • Rent ledger showing past due rent dating back to April 1, 2020

  • W-8 or W-9


(Assistance paid to landlords qualifies as income for tax purposes)

If you have ten or more tenants, use this form.

Renters
You will need ONE of these documents:

  • 2020 tax returns

  • If you were unemployed, your W2 or 1099G for 2020

  • Recent pay stubs


If you are participating in CalFresh, CalWORKS, or some other subsidy program, you will need to provide your acceptance letter, renewal letter, or some other acceptable form of proof of participation.

AND - for assistance with past due utility bills:
Invoices for unpaid utilities including water, trash, and internet

Assistance through this program does not count as income for renters.

FAQ


What is the application deadline?
A deadline has not been established. Applications acceptance is ongoing. Applicants at the highest risk of being evicted are given priority.

What does the program pay for?
Participating landlords can be reimbursed for all eligible tenants’ past due rent dating back to April 1, 2020.

Tenants whose landlords are not participating in the program can apply for themselves and receive assistance with past due rent dating back to April 1, 2020. Tenants can receive assistance for future rent as well.

Qualified tenants can also receive assistance with unpaid utility bills dating back to April 1, 2020. They will receive up to 12 months of assistance at 100% of cost. The funds will go directly to the utility provider.

When does eviction protection end?
California has extended its protection deadline to September 30, 2021.

Can a tenant apply without the participation of the landlord?
Landlords are encouraged to apply through housingiskey.com. After the landlord has submitted the application, the system will contact the tenant and request that they fill out the corresponding tenant application along with the necessary documentation.

If the landlord declines to participate in the program, the tenant can apply directly. The landlord will be contacted with a request that they sign off on the application and participate in the program. Whether or not the landlord participates, the state will make an effort to pay the landlord directly.

Will I know when my landlord has received payment?
Yes. Tenants and landlords will be notified via email when a payment has been made. Applicants can check the status online at housingiskey.com or call a program representative toll free at 1-833-430-2122.

Do I have to be a citizen of the United States to apply?
No. Income eligible residents can apply regardless of immigration status. Proof of U.S. citizenship is not required.