"Housing is Key," the state's rent relief program, is closing applications soon. But there is still a chance to apply.

California’s rent relief program is closing March 31, and California residents have one last chance to get their applications submitted. The program, known as "Housing is Key," provides financial assistance for unpaid rent to any eligible renters who have been impacted by COVID-19.

The program is available for any resident who has not been able to pay their rent for at least 1 month and whose income sits at or below 80 percent of the median county income level. Eligible households may get up to 18 months of assistance for rent and utilities. According to housing.ca.gov more than 240,000 applications have been completed in Los Angeles County alone, with over 100,000 households assisted and approximately $1.32 billion in rent assisted.

Below is a basic breakdown of where to apply, what is needed to apply, and how to submit an application before March 31.

WHERE TO APPLY:

To begin, there are three ways to access the CA Rent Relief Program.

The application can be directly accessed online by going to www.housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/. This website is free to access and contains the online links to submit your application.
If you cannot access the online application, call the help line at 833-430-2122 to receive assistance by phone.
You can also visit any Housing Authority location, the nearest one to Santa Monica College campus is located at 1901 Main St #300 Santa Monica, CA.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO APPLY:

Housing.ca.gov states that no documentation is absolutely necessary to apply; however you will need to provide proof of identity. Otherwise including one of the following makes the application process easier:

2020 Tax Return
2020 W-2 and 1099-G forms (if you were unemployed)
Current Pay Stubs
Proof of participation in state or federal subsidy program such as CalFresh or CalWORKS (2020/2021 acceptance or renewal letter preferred).

You can also choose to prove loss of income or increased expenses due to COVID-19 as a proof of income or be asked to include documents such as bank statements.

If you would also like to apply for utility assistance, it is recommended to include a utility, trash, or internet bills dated after April 1, 2020.

HOW TO APPLY:

The online application process is very simple. First, go online to the housing website and click “apply now”. Next, you will be directed to a page to explain your financial situation and compare your income to the local income chart. If you have an income that is at or below 80 percent of the local median income in their county, then you will be eligible to continue with the application process.

Once you have submitted that information you will be directed to the full application. This application has multiple sections where you will state your information such as where you live, verify your income, and declare your COVID-19 hardships. These hardships include medical bills, child care, increased expenses, less hours at work, and loss of income or job.

Once the application is filled out and all documents are submitted, you can sign and submit your application. While the process is lengthy, the application process is simple and laid out with easy to understand directions. For those who speak a different language, the application comes in multiple languages.

Californians are still protected from eviction through March 31. The California State Assembly passed a bill Monday that, if passed by the State Senate, would extend the eviction protections until June 30. LA County officials urge tenants and landlords to apply before the current deadline to avoid any possible evictions or lawsuits. For all other resources, visit www.housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/resources.

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