Applications now open for state COVID-19 rent relief program

Posted: 11:27 am, March 17, 2021 by Access Publishing

–Local tenants and landlords can now apply for rental assistance through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program. The program clears some accumulated rental debt, keeps the hardest-hit families in their homes, and will lead to a more equitable economic recovery, the County of San Luis Obispo reports.

The state program is for those who have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19, have past due rent or utilities, and have a household income at or less than $58,800 (which is 80-percent of the area median household income).

“Many renters and landlords are struggling right now,” said Lynn Compton, Chair of the San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors. “This program provides much-needed relief to help people pay their bills and make ends meet.”

Landlords who participate in the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program can get reimbursed for 80-percent of an eligible renter’s unpaid rent between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, if they agree to waive the remaining 20-percent of unpaid rent. Eligible renters whose landlords do not participate in the program may apply on their own and receive 25-percent of unpaid rent between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Paying this 25-percent by June 30, 2021 can help keep tenants in their home under the extended eviction protections in SB 91.

Eligible tenants can also receive future rent assistance equal to 25-percent of their monthly rent, as well as help paying future utility bills. Applicants will not be asked about their citizenship, nor will they be required to show proof of citizenship.

Tenants and landlords can determine eligibility and apply for funds by visiting www.RecoverSLO.org/RentRelief.

A CA COVID-19 Rent Relief call center has also been set up for eligibility questions or for application assistance and is available at (833) 430-2122, 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In addition, a statewide network of local community partners has been established to help answer questions and submit applications. SLO County partners include 5Cities Homeless Coalition, the Salvation Army San Luis Obispo County, and the United Way.

For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit ReadySLO.org or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903. A staffed phone assistance center at (805) 543-2444 is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist with questions related to COVID-19.