COVID-19 Resources
We are here to assist with disputes over rent payments, evictions or any other housing issues during COVID-19 and beyond.
Latest Information
Webinars and Videos
How to Apply for CA COVID-19 Rent Relief - Virtual Workshop for Tenants
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief - Virtual Workshop for San Mateo County Residents
How to Apply for CA COVID-19 Rent Relief - Virtual Workshop for Landlords
San Jose Tenant Rental Policies: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Helpful Information:
Eviction Protection FAQs
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief is still available. It covers 100% of rent and utilities. There is no deadline, but renters and landlords impacted by COVID-19 who need help with rent should apply immediately, before funding runs out.
Eligible renters continue to have special eviction protections under state law starting October 1 through the end of March 2022. Applying for rental assistance through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program can stop an eviction.
Can I still apply for rent relief?
Yes! The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program is still accepting applications for eligible renters and landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19 and need help with unpaid rent.
Landlords are encouraged to work with their renters to apply for the program and get reimbursed for 100% of unpaid rent dating back as far as April 1, 2020.
The program is free and does not currently have a deadline, but because funding will run out, renters are encouraged to apply as soon as possible if they know they may struggle to cover past or prospective rent and utilities.
California eviction protections change October 1, 2021. What happens now?
Renters continue to have special protections under state law, and rental assistance through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program is still available.
If you have unpaid rent or are struggling to pay rent that will be due starting October 1, apply at housingiskey.com as soon as possible. Do not delay!
Communicate with your landlord immediately if you intend to apply for rent relief or have applied. If you receive any eviction papers (documents that contain words like “summons” or “complaint” or “unlawful detainer”), you should immediately seek legal assistance. In many cases, responding to eviction papers within five (5) days can help delay or prevent your eviction.
As of October 1, 2021, if you are still in financial distress, and receive a notice to "pay or quit" (a notice from your landlord that gives you a certain amount of time to pay the outstanding rent you owe or vacate your home) for unpaid rent during the COVID-19 pandemic, protections are available:
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If the notice is for rent that came due between March 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021, give your landlord a signed declaration of COVID-19 related financial distress within 15 business days of receiving a notice to "pay or quit."
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In all cases, your landlord MUST apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program before they can proceed with an eviction lawsuit against you.
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If you apply to the rent relief program within 15 business days of receiving the “pay or quit” notice, or within 15 business days of receiving a notice from the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program that your landlord has started an application on your behalf, you can stop an eviction while your application is processed.
I have received an eviction notice, what steps can I take?
To delay or prevent eviction, the renter should apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program within 15 business days from the time they are notified by the program that their landlord has started an application.
If the renter and landlord have both timely submitted a completed application with correct information and all required paperwork, both parties will be notified that the applications are complete, and the courts will not issue a summons until the program makes a determination on the application.
If the renter does not submit a completed application within 15 business days of notice from the program, then the court may proceed with the eviction lawsuit.
If the renter is deemed ineligible, their application will be denied and the court will be able to proceed with the eviction lawsuit against them.
More information: https://housing.ca.gov/tenant/eviction_faqs.html
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Overview Resources
(English and Español)
Links to Tenant and Landlord Forms:
If rent has not been paid as a result of COVID-related financial hardship, the following forms are required to be served by Landlords or Tenants to ensure compliance and protections.
Statewide Rent Relief:
Many counties’ rent relief funds are available through the State Program, including San Mateo County:
Please note that our AMI calculator calculates AMI specifically for the counties we serve.
Statewide Hotline: 1-833-687-0967
State Application for Tenants and Landlords:
Local Rent Relief Programs:
Some cities and areas have their own rent relief programs. Please note that our resources includes information primarily for the counties and cities we serve below:
Please note:
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Milpitas rent relief program is separate from the funds offered under SB 91 and so has different eligibility criteria.
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Fremont is administering its own program separate from the County.
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San Mateo County residents must go through the State application process since they will not have their own locally administered or hybrid program.
Small Landlord Relief Information
If you are a small landlord by definition below, please click here or call our HUD Homeownership Housing Counseling Department (HHC) to learn about what might be available.
Call 408-470-3730
Other Resources:
Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH)
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
San Jose Tenant Rental Policies: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
San Mateo County Rent Relief Presentation
How to Apply for CA COVID-19 Rent Relief - For Tenants
How to Apply for CA COVID-19 Rent Relief - For Landlords
Emergency Assistance Network of Santa Clara County
(The Emergency Assistance Network (EAN) agencies in Santa Clara County provide a variety of services to prevent homelessness, utility disconnections, and hunger)
Need more help?
Contact us: (800) 339-6043
We can assist with the following:
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Inform you about any laws that may affect you
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Refer you to other agencies or organizations that may be able to help solve your problem
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Provide counseling on the steps you can take
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Help tenants and landlords work out a rent payment plan
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Help property owners communicate with their lender
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Etc.