‘Housing is Key’ Rent Assistance Program Ends in Days

Any Pasadena renter who might have been unable to pay their rent because of the pandemic can still apply for the California COVID-19 Rent Relief program, also called the “Housing is Key” program, up to March 31, which is this coming Thursday.

Aside from renters, the program is also open to landlords who need help with unpaid rent or utilities. Eligible renters whose landlords choose not to participate in the program may apply on their own and receive assistance for unpaid rent.

Priority assistance will be given to income-eligible households who are most at risk of eviction, the state Department of Housing and Community Development said.

A Los Angeles Times report said the state had received more than 480,000 completed applications and distributed more than $2.3 billion on behalf of almost 206,000 households.

The grants, which can cover unpaid rent and utility bills, average $11,508 per household.

The Housing is Key rent relief program is available for people who rent homes, apartment units or mobile homes who can attest to having suffered a financial hardship related to COVID-19, including losing wages or having to pay increased medical or child-care expenses.

Applicants must be income-eligible, which the state will determine upon receiving your application. Regarding income eligibility, applicants cannot earn more than 80 percent of the area median income, which in Los Angeles County is $66,250 for an individual and $94,600 for a family of four. The program’s online application form will show you what the income limit is for your household.

Applicants may qualify for the program regardless of immigration status and will not be required to show proof of citizenship.

Landlords who wish to avail of the program because of income loss due to renters being behind on their rent  may apply so long as their renter’s household is income-eligible. Their tenants will need to provide the attestation and paperwork required for the program. All payments that landlords receive must be used to satisfy the renter’s unpaid rent. The eligible timeframe for financial assistance dates back to April 1, 2020, according to the program’s guidelines.

Before starting the application process, interested individuals and households must prepare to submit a copy of their 2020 tax return, their 2020 W-2 form, or your 1099-G if you were unemployed; or your current pay stubs. You’ll also need to submit proof that you participated in a state or federal safety net program, such as CalFresh (preferably, an acceptance or renewal letter from 2020 or 2021).

For help with unpaid utility bills, trash removal and internet service, the applicant must submit copies of his or her bills.

Landlords will need to submit a copy of the lease or rental agreement with the renter’s name, residence address and monthly rent due; a rent ledger or rent statement showing the balance of unpaid rent from April 1, 2020; and the landlord’s W-8 or W-9 form, if they have received them.

Both tenant applicants and landlords who are unable to provide any of these documents may still apply for the program and work with the state on other ways to verify their claims.

To apply for the “Housing is Key” program, go to https://housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/index.html and follow the instructions.