New Rental Assistance Available for Los Angeles Renters and Landlords

An apartment complex displays leasing opportunities in Costa Mesa, Calif., on Nov. 16, 2020. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

This week, the City of Los Angeles began offering additional rental assistance for renters and landlords who have been heavily impacted by the pandemic.

As California’s eviction moratorium is set to expire on Sept. 30, many landlords and renters in Los Angeles are facing financial hardship. The Housing is Key rental assistance program was launched on Sept. 1 to help Los Angeles tenants, as well as those who are renting out properties.

The new rental assistance was offered through a partnership between the state and the city.

“The new agreement will allow Angelenos to tap into the $5.2 billion in emergency rental relief funds the State has received from the Federal government, ensuring that all renters and landlords who are eligible for the relief will receive it," according to a statement released by the mayor’s office.

“Under the new framework, the State will be responsible for processing applications and distributing relief funds for Angelenos.”

Qualifying renters and landlords can receive 100 percent of rent and utilities owed since April 1, 2020. The program can also help pay off upcoming rent and utilities, limited to a total of 12 months.

Eligibility

Renters: Anyone with unpaid rent and utilities or needs help paying future rent and is income-eligible (the state will calculate this when you apply).

“Income-eligible applicants may qualify regardless of immigration status and will not be required to show proof of citizenship,” according to the Housing is Key website.

Landlords: Those with renters who are behind their rents and need financial assistance for this loss are eligible for rental assistance when the following conditions are met:

• Your renter’s household is income-eligible
• All payments received are used to satisfy the renter’s unpaid rent
• Renters must verify that they meet eligibility requirements and sign the application

For those who are qualified for this rental assistance, they can apply at HousingIsKey.com. Applicants can also call 833-430-2122 or 833-687-0967 to see if they’re eligible or for help filling out the application.

As of Aug. 31, the California state rental assistance program has received more than 169,000 applications and served 36,048 households, with each household receiving $11,810 on average in assistance to pay off their rent and utilities, according to the website.

More than $425 million total in funds has been paid out by the state.

“COVID-19 has dealt a devastating blow to our residents, and it’s our responsibility as a government to help them weather this crisis. This partnership with the State builds on our local rental relief efforts to make it clear that every renter who is eligible for rental assistance will be able to access this program,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti in a statement.

Los Angeles renters can learn more at StayHousedLA.org.