Solano County Emergency Rental Assistance Program Guide

Last updated: June 26, 2026

What Was the Solano County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Solano County ERAP was a federally funded initiative designed to keep COVID-19-impacted households in their homes by covering rent and utility costs for eligible tenants. The County of Solano partnered with Catholic Charities of Yolo-Solano, Inc. to administer the program, which served both tenants and landlords of rental properties within the county. The dual focus — reducing financial burden for tenants while helping property owners recover unpaid rent — was central to the program’s design. To understand how ERAP programs work at the federal level, funding flowed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act.

Tenants who had already submitted an application before the August 1, 2021 cutoff were contacted directly about the status of their case. Anyone who did not get an application in before the deadline was directed to the state portal. The California rental assistance programs overview covers what remains available statewide for renters still seeking help.

Who Was Eligible for Solano County Rental Assistance

Both tenants and landlords were encouraged to apply. All applicants — regardless of whether they were a renter or a property owner — were required to meet eligibility criteria and submit supporting documentation before assistance could be approved. Core eligibility requirements for tenants included:

• Residency in Solano County: Applicants must have been renting a residential property located within Solano County.
• COVID-19 financial impact: Demonstrated loss of income, increased expenses, or other financial hardship directly caused by the pandemic.
• Housing instability or risk of eviction: Evidence of overdue rent, unpaid utilities, or a formal eviction notice.
• Income limits: Household income must have fallen below the program’s threshold, in line with federal ERA income guidelines (generally 80% of Area Median Income).
• Required documentation: All supporting documents had to be submitted and approved before any assistance was issued.

Pro Tip

Landlords in Solano County were also eligible to apply directly, making this one of the few county ERAP programs that actively invited property owners into the process. If you are a landlord with tenants who have unpaid rent from the pandemic period, check whether the state’s Housing is Key program still accepts landlord applications on behalf of tenants.

What Did the Solano County ERAP Cover

The Solano County ERAP was structured to cover the core housing costs that put families at greatest risk of displacement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible expenses included:

• Emergency rent assistance: Past-due rent and current rent obligations for residential units in Solano County.
• Utility bill assistance: Help with electricity, gas, water, and other household utility costs tied to the primary rental residence.

The program’s goal, as stated by the county, was to keep individuals and families in their homes while also reducing the financial strain on landlords carrying unpaid rental balances. Neighboring counties ran parallel programs during the same period. Renters in the Bay Area should note that Alameda County’s emergency rental assistance program operated under similar federal guidelines and may still have resources available.

How to Apply for Rental Assistance in California Now

With the Solano County ERAP closed, the primary route for current applicants is California’s statewide program administered through Housing is Key. This portal was specifically recommended by Solano County for residents who did not submit an approved application before the August 1, 2021 county deadline. The state program covers similar costs — past-due rent, utilities, and other qualifying housing expenses — and may still accept applications depending on available funding cycles.

Renters in neighboring Sacramento should also explore dedicated county resources. The Sacramento County Emergency Rental Assistance Program serves the adjacent region and has its own eligibility process and funding timeline. For a full picture of what is still open across the state, the California rental assistance programs directory lists active and recently closed programs by county.

Bay Area renters in other nearby jurisdictions can also review the San Francisco emergency rental assistance program for options closer to the city.

Steps to Apply Through the California State Portal

• Visit housing.ca.gov and create or log in to your account.
• Complete all household, income, and landlord information sections of the application.
• Upload your lease agreement, income verification, and documentation of COVID-19 financial impact.
• Submit the application and monitor your status through the portal dashboard.