More than $1 billion in rental assistance has already been requested through California's rent relief program, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“As the state comes roaring back from the pandemic, we’re laser-focused on getting this assistance out the door as quickly as possible and providing supports across the board to help Californians get back on their feet,” said Newsom in a statement.
“With robust COVID rental protections and the largest rent relief program of any state in the nation, we’re protecting millions of struggling Californians worried about keeping a roof over their heads or making next month’s mortgage by covering 100 percent of past-due and prospective rent payments, as well as overdue water and utility bills.”
Newsom noted that the applications and rate of disbursement rose rapidly after the state increased assistance to low-income renters and landlords. Newsom signed SB 129 on Monday, which includes funding for the $100 billion California Comeback Plan.
The initiative provides $5.2 billion to pay back-rent and several future months’ rent for tenants who qualify based on income. There is an additional $2 billion available for helping people pay past-due water and utility bills.
Landlords can choose to participate in the state’s rental assistance program and receive compensation even after a tenant who qualifies for assistance has left the rental unit.
So far, the California COVID-19 Rent Relief program has received 108,801 applications, according to the governor’s office.
Renters and landlords can apply for funds on the state’s Housing Is Key website.
In addition to direct payments, Newsom and state lawmakers approved an extension of the eviction moratorium in June. The state’s eviction ban will now continue until September 30, 2021.