California Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Receive government help with past-due rent and utility bills
The California Rent Relief Program provides financial assistance for unpaid rent to qualifying renters and landlords who have been harmed by inflation. The program is administered by the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Renters and landlords alike can submit applications for assistance.
In some cases, depending on the location of your rental property, you may be eligible for a state-sponsored program. To find out which program is the best fit for you, click on Apply Now.
If you’ve already applied, check your status here
Do not reapply if you have already applied for the CA Rent Relief program and have been turned down. Additional assistance can be requested by calling 833-430-2122.
Affected by Inflation?
Inflation has impacted everyone, whether as a result of a health-related event or a severe financial hardship. Our state’s recovery is paramount, and we are committed to keeping families in their homes. We understand that tenants and landlords in California already have a lot to worry about. We want to ensure that renting a property is not included in those concerns.
Qualifying households may apply for rental help through the California Rent Relief program, which aids with both past due and future rent payments. Tenant (renter) protection regulations and money for this program are included in the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which was approved by California Governor Gavin Newsom in January 2021.
You may be qualified for a state-sponsored program in some situations, depending on the location of your rental property. Click on Apply Now to see which program is the best fit for you.
Program Highlights
- Free financial aid is available to landlords and renters who need help with past due or future rent or utilities.
- Landlords and tenants are both encouraged to apply.
- Income-eligible candidates will be evaluated regardless of immigration status, and no proof of citizenship will be required.
- The CA Rent Relief program does not count as earned income (for renters) and has no influence on eligibility for other state benefit programs like CalFresh or CalWORKS.
- All applicant data is kept private and will not be shared with anyone else.
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Income-eligible households that are most at risk of eviction will be given priority.
- Both the landlord and the renter will be advised of the next steps following the successful processing of an application.
What is Covered in the CA Rental Assistance Program?
CA Rent Relief is available to renters who have been impacted by inflation, who are income-eligible (the state will determine this for you when you apply), who owe rent or utilities, or who require assistance with future rent or utilities. You may apply to participate in the program.
You may apply for the California Rent Relief program if your renters fall late on their payments and you require funds to compensate for the resulting income loss. If you match the eligibility requirements, you may apply for Rent Relief.
Your renter’s family is income-eligible (the state will calculate this when they apply).
All money you receive must be utilized to cover rent that has not been paid by the renter. Financial aid may be used up to April 1, 2020.
Your renters must take the necessary steps to ensure their eligibility and sign the application. They will be notified when your application is filed and asked to supply any additional information required.
Renters
One of the following:
- Your 2020 Tax Return
- 2020 W2 and 1099G if you were unemployed
- Current pay stubs
- Proof of participation in state or federal subsidy programs such as CalFresh or CalWORKS (your 2020 or 2021 acceptance or renewal letter is preferred).
AND — IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR HELP WITH UTILITY BILLS:
- Utility invoices or statements for any unpaid utility, trash, and internet bills after April 1, 2020.
Assistance for renters through this program does NOT qualify as income.
Landlords
ALL of the following:
- Lease or rental agreement reflecting renter’s name, residence address, and monthly rent due
- Rent ledger or rent statement showing the balance of unpaid rent from April 1, 2020
- W-8 or W-9 (for tax purposes)
If you have 10 or more tenants and would like to upload information for all of them at once when you apply, please fill out this form.
The assistance paid directly to landlords through this program DOES qualify as income.