California’s eviction ban may still be in place for a few more weeks, but local government officials want those most impacted by the pandemic to act now to gain access to financial relief.
Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 1, Los Angeles renters and landlords who have been financially impacted by the pandemic can submit applications for a piece of $5.2 billion in federal relief dollars. That pot of money, according to Urbanize, is expected to cover all back rent owned by low-income renters during the COVID pandemic.
“Every Angeleno who has had their livelihood upended by this pandemic and is in need of rental assistance should be able to get it, full stop,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti in a statement. “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.”
The city of Los Angeles has allocated nearly $100 million to provide rental assistance to residents impacted by the pandemic. Additionally, the city’s Housing Department is now distributing $69 million in federal aid, with an additional $196 million earmarked for renters with approved applications, according to Urbanize.
More than 49,000 households have already received funds. Los Angeles has been allocated more than $235 million in relief funding, though more than $500 million in rental debt has been estimated to have been accrued by L.A. renters since the start of the pandemic.
If you or someone you know needs help filling out rent relief applications, call 833-687-0967 or head to hcidla.lacity.org.