COVID-19 Resources
We are here to assist with disputes over rent payments, evictions or any other housing issues during COVID-19 and beyond.
Statewide Eviction Protections -
What you need to know:
Statewide eviction protections have been in place across California since September 1, 2020 and will last until at least June 30, 2021. The law temporarily protects tenants from eviction actions being taken for non-payment of rent if the tenant has notified the landlord that due to impacts from the COVID-19 emergency, they are unable to pay full rent. Also until June 30, 2021, a landlord cannot terminate (evict) a tenant without a legal reason (“just cause”).
Tenants who notify their landlords of COVID-19 financial impacts CANNOT BE EVICTED on the basis of unpaid rent between March 2020 and June 30, 2021 provided they:
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Sign and return to their landlord a declaration of COVID-19 related financial impacts; AND
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Pay at least 25% of the rent due between September 1, 2020 and June 1, 2021 (must pay a total of 25% of the rent due during this period no later than June 30, 2021)
PLEASE NOTE:
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Once the moratorium ends on June 30, tenants are responsible for paying their full rent for the following months, unless they work out an agreement otherwise. We can help tenants and landlords craft those agreements - call or email us.
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THE UNPAID RENT IS STILL OWED! Rent relief funds are available and could cover all of what’s owed and even assist tenants with part of future rent payments. See below for more information about rent relief assistance.
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Actions to collect unpaid rent cannot be filed until August 1, 2021.
Visit the State’s website for more information: housing.ca.gov
Local law on moratoriums:
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.
Tenant and Landlord Checklists
(English and Español)
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
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)
Helpful videos:
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.