Fresno CA Emergency Rental Assistance Program: Tenants and Landlords

Last updated: June 26, 2026

About the Fresno Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The City of Fresno, through its Housing and Community Development Department, partnered with six community benefit organizations (CBOs) to administer the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for residents affected by COVID-19. The program was funded with approximately $42 million in combined federal and state dollars — one of the larger municipal ERAP allocations in California’s Central Valley. 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.

Both landlords and tenants were eligible to participate. The program’s goal was to cover 100% of qualified rent and utility costs for eligible households — removing financial barriers for tenants while ensuring property owners recovered unpaid balances. Even after California’s eviction moratorium expired, Fresno residents could still apply for ERAP protection while funds remained. For a broader look at what is still available across the state, the California rental assistance programs directory covers active and recently closed programs by county.

What Does the Fresno ERAP Cover

The program provided assistance across three categories of housing costs:

Past-Due Rent

If a landlord participates in the California COVID-19 Rent Relief program, they may receive payment for unpaid rent dating back to April 1, 2020. If a landlord declines to participate, tenants who meet eligibility standards can apply independently and still receive assistance for back rent going back to the same date. In that case, the tenant is required to pay the landlord within 15 business days of receiving funds.

Future Rent

Qualified tenants may receive up to three months of prospective rent assistance per application cycle. Future rent payments can only be issued in three-month increments, and applicants must provide proof of income to access this benefit. A practical example: 15 months of rent arrears plus 3 months of future rent equals the maximum 18-month coverage allowed per application.

Utility Bills

Tenants who have not paid utility bills in full since April 1, 2020 may be eligible for 100% utility assistance. Utilities provided directly by a landlord are typically included in the rental price calculation. The combined maximum for rental and utility assistance is 18 months per application. Local nonprofits and community organizations can also help bridge gaps — resources like churches offering rent assistance are worth exploring if you are still waiting on ERAP funds.

Fresno ERAP Priority Phases and Processing Order

When demand exceeded available funds, the Fresno ERAP processed applications according to the following priority structure:

• First Priority: Rent arrears for applicants with household incomes below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
• Second Priority: Rent arrears for applicants with household incomes between 50% and 80% of AMI.
• Third Priority: Unpaid utility bills for income-qualified households.
• Fourth Priority: Future rent assistance for qualified tenants who have provided proof of income.

Pro Tip

Even if ERAP funds in Fresno are exhausted, tenants facing eviction still have legal protections and options available. Reviewing your alternatives to eviction — including payment plans, mediation, and legal aid — is an important step before any court proceedings begin.

Eligibility and Required Documents for Fresno ERAP

Tenant Eligibility and Documents

Tenants must meet all of the following criteria to qualify:

• The rental property must be located within the City of Fresno.
• Household income must fall within the Fresno County Area Median Income limits (generally at or below 80% AMI).
• The applicant must have outstanding rent or utilities, or be seeking prospective rent assistance.
• Proof of citizenship is not required — immigration status does not affect eligibility for income-qualified applicants.

Income documentation (one of the following):

• Proof of enrollment in a state or federal subsidy program (WIC, CalWORKS, CalFresh) — no additional income verification required if this is provided.
• W-2 and 1099-G forms (for unemployed applicants, for the applicable tax year).
• Most recent pay stubs.
• CalFresh or CalWORKS acceptance or renewal letter (2020 or 2021 preferred).

Landlord Eligibility and Documents

Landlords of Fresno rental properties could apply on behalf of their tenants. Requirements include:

• The rental property must be located within the City of Fresno.
• The tenant’s household income must qualify under the Fresno County AMI income table.
• Outstanding rent must be owed and documented — assistance is not available for periods prior to April 1, 2020.
• The landlord must complete the landlord section of the online application at era.fresno.gov.

Required documents for landlords:

• Signed lease or rental agreement showing the tenant’s name, property address, monthly rent amount, and lease terms.
• Rent ledger or rent statement showing the outstanding balance owed from April 1, 2020 onward.
• W-9 form (required for tax purposes on rental assistance disbursements).

Renters in nearby Sacramento County facing similar circumstances can find parallel programs through the Sacramento County Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Tenants facing eviction proceedings in any California county should also review the alternatives to eviction available before a court date is set.