There is help out there for millions of Californians still struggling to catch their financial breath after 2 years of pandemic, but navigating the resources can be time-consuming and confusing.  All the info and links you need for the California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program are below.

The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, which helps California tenants and landlords cover unpaid rent and utilities, will accept applications through March 31, 2022. Renters who experienced financial hardship during the pandemic can receive up to 18 months of financial assistance to pay outstanding rent and utilities.

It is available to renters who can show financial hardship during the pandemic and are at risk of housing instability. Eligibility for the program is based on income; with a maximum annual income for a single person of $102,450 and for a family of four of $146,350. Renters must apply via the website housingiskey.com and provide information on income and amount of past due rent and utilities.  A link to the application and additional information on the program requirements, tenant protections, and eviction defense resources can be found at sf.gov/renthelp. 

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must have had financial hardship during the pandemic

Either:

• have qualified for unemployment benefits
• experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship

Applicants must be able to demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability

This can include:

• past-due rent or utilities
• unsafe or unhealthy living conditions
• any other evidence of such risk

Applicants can apply if they are a subtenant. The master tenant does not need to be involved in the first part of the application process.

Your landlord can also apply directly.

The maximum income depends on household size:

• For 1 person, $102,450
• For 2 people, $117,100
• For 3 people, $131,750
• For 4 people, $146,350
• For 5 people, $158,100
• For 6 people, $169,800
• For 7 people, $181,500
• For 8 people, $193,200

These income limits are at or below 80% of HUD’s Area Median Income (AMI) for San Francisco.

Current eviction protections

Tenants:  Do not move out!  You have rights even after the moratorium expires and rental assistance coverage is through at least March 31, 2022. If you have unpaid rent or are struggling to pay rent that will be due starting October 1, please apply to housingiskey.com as soon as possible. Do not delay!

If you have not paid 25% of the rent for the period September 2020 – September 2021, please contact sfrenthelp@evictiondefense.org by September 30, 2021. Twenty-five percent is the equivalent of 3.25 months of the rent. If you pay at least 25% of the rent of this period by September 30, then you cannot be evicted for any unpaid rent from that period.

ADDITIONAL HELP

Every Bay Area county provides additional resources for residents most impacted by the pandemic. Local programs work to complement the state rent relief assistance. You can click on each county below to find further information for your area.

• Alameda County
• Contra Costa County
• Marin County
• Napa County
• San Francisco
• San Mateo County
• Santa Clara County
• Solano County
• Sonoma Count