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Understanding California’s COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act

On June 28, 2021, California extended statewide renter protections and updated its system of financial help to renters and landlords.

What protections does the law provide?

Renters who have COVID-19 related financial impacts (lost income, increased expenses, etc.) are protected from eviction for failure to pay rent due from March 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021, as long as the renter meets certain requirements:

For rent due between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2020, a renter who completes a specific declaration that they have “COVID-19 related financial distress” can never be evicted because they did not pay that rent.

For rent due between September 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021, a renter who completes a specific declaration that they have “COVID-19 related financial distress” AND pays 25% of the rent due for this period by September 30, 2021, can never be evicted because they did not pay the rest of that rent. The 25% can be paid each month OR in a lump sum by September 30, 2021.

Even if a renter cannot pay the 25%, they are protected from eviction until October 1, 2021, based on unpaid rent due between September 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021, if they have completed the declaration that they have “COVID-19 related financial distress.”

From October 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022, a landlord seeking to evict a renter for nonpayment of rent must show the court that the landlord applied for rental assistance and either that the application was denied or that the renter has not applied for assistance within a specified time period. A renter subject to an eviction case who has been approved for rental assistance can ask the court to pause the case until funding is received. It will restart if the renter does not qualify for rental assistance.

Landlords are prohibited from charging late fees or interest for nonpayment of rent that came due between March 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021. ALL renters have “just cause” eviction protections through September 30, 2021, meaning landlords may not evict a renter without stating an allowable reason.

Can renters get money to help pay rent?

The state has promised to pay 100% of unpaid rent for low-income renters who have COVID-19 related financial impacts for unpaid rent accrued from April 1, 2020. Renters can apply for that assistance if the landlord does not apply. There is also money to help renters pay utility bills.

To qualify for assistance, the renter must (1) have income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, (2) have experienced COVID-19 related financial impacts (lost income, increased expenses, etc.), and (3) be at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

Renters are eligible for 18 months of total rental assistance and 12 months of utility assistance, including both past due rent and upcoming rent. If a renter has already moved out of their unit and has unpaid rent, they are still eligible for assistance for that unpaid rent.

For help getting rental assistance call 1- 833-430-2122 or visit HousingIsKey.com.

Thank you to United Ways of California for compiling this comprehensive list of resources for CA families:

FEDERAL SUPPORT & ASSISTANCE:

SNAP Recipients in California: Will soon be able to purchase food online starting next month. Please visit here to view more information.

SERVICES FOR FAMILIES:

 CalWORKs: Provides cash aid and services to eligible families that have a child(ren) in the home.

  • Use this application to apply online

Medi-Cal/Covered California:  Offers free or low-cost health coverage for children and adults with limited income.

  • Apply online at CoveredCA.com
  • Or, apply by phone by calling 1 (800) 300-1506

CalFresh: Provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-income

  •  Apply online
  •  Or, call the CalFresh Info Line at 1-877-847-3663.

Low-Cost Internet/Computer Access: Connects low-income families to affordable Internet options, computer access and more.

  •  Find low-cost internet service in your area
  • Carriers like Charter, Comcast, and AT&T are offering free or reduced-cost internet access for students and low-income families. Learn more

California Healthy Families: is low-cost insurance for California children and teens. It provides health, dental and vision coverage to children who do not have insurance and do not qualify for free Medi-Cal.

  •  Apply online
  • Or, call 1-800-880-5305.

Video Conferencing: Several video conferencing software companies have opened up free access to their premium features including Cisco Webex, Google Hangouts (for schools and businesses), and Zoom (for K-12 schools)

Free Computers: Free computers are available for low-income students through The On It Foundation and Computers with Causes

 

HEALTH CARE SERVICES:

NOTICE: Special Enrollment Period Expanded – In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Covered California is expanding its special enrollment period through June 30 to help anyone uninsured and eligible to obtain health coverage because of job loss or other qualifying life events. Please view our Health Page for more information.

California Healthy Families: is low-cost insurance for California children and teens. It provides health, dental and vision coverage to children who do not have insurance and do not qualify for free Medi-Cal.

  • Apply online
  • Or, call 1-800-880-5305.

Operation Access: Provides diagnosis, free evaluation, and surgical operations for the uninsured and low income.

  •  View participating clinics HERE
  •  Or, call (415) 733-0052 for more information.

Medi-Cal/Covered California: Offer free or low-cost health coverage for children and adults with limited income and resources.

  •  You can apply online
  •  Or, apply by phone by calling 1 (800) 300-1506

 Extra Help: Medicare beneficiaries can qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs.

Every Woman Counts (EWC): Provides free clinical breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams, and Pap tests to California’s underserved women.

  •  Search for EWC providers using the ProviderLocator
  • Or, call 1-800-511-2300

Family PACT: Provides referrals to state-funded clinics for family planning services

Medi-Cal Access Program: Low-cost health insurance for middle-income pregnant women.

  •  To apply visit CoveredCA
  • Or, call 1-800-433-2611

Deaf & Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP): Provide free relay services and phone equipment for all deaf and disabled Californians.

  •  Visit DDTP 
  • Or, call 1-800-806-1191

The National Prescription Drug Discount Card Program: Helps people save on prescription drug bills at no cost.

  •  Call 1-877-321-2625 for more information on the program as well as counties served.

Local Health Services/Offices: A list of local county health departments to call about no-cost and low-cost health care.

Su Familia: Information and referrals in Spanish to local health clinics.

Health Consumer Alliance: Programs to help people with low incomes get the health care they need.

San Francisco & Los Angeles Counties: One Degree connects low-income families to health resources in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County.

Free Clinic Directory: has nationwide resources for uninsured people to connect with affordable and free health clinics in their area.

FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES:

CalFresh: Provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-income

  •  Apply HERE
  •  Or, call the CalFresh Info Line 1-877-847-3663.

CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program: Allows CalFresh recipients who are 60 years of age or older, disabled, or homeless to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase lower-cost prepared meals at approved participating restaurants in certain counties.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program: helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.

 Food Banks: Provide food for those in need.

 School Breakfast Program: Assists schools and other agencies in providing nutritious breakfasts to children at reasonable prices.

CA Meals for Kids: The CA Meals for Kids mobile application helps you find nearby California Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs Sites through your iOS, Android, or Microsoft devices. The Emergency Meal Sites section may be used during unanticipated school closures due to emergency situations.

SERVICES FOR SENIORS 65+:

Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP): Free, confidential counseling and community education for California Medicare beneficiaries.

  •  To learn more visit, HERE
  •  Or, call 1-800-434-0222.

Senior Legal Hotline: Provide services, resources, advice, and other tools that will help stop a foreclosure from occurring.

  •  They can be reached at (916) 551-2145.

Senior Community Service Employment Program: matches eligible older adults with part-time training assignments for non-profit organizations.

Assisted Living Waiver: provides services to facilitate the transition from nursing facilities to a community home-like setting in a Residential Care Facility (RCF), an Adult Care Facility (ACF), or public subsidized housing.

Senior Care Action Network Health Plan (SCAN): provides services for dual-eligible Medicare/Medi-Cal population

Home Modifications to Bring an Elderly Parent Home During COVID-19 :

UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:

NOTICE: Covid-19 Utility Shut-Offs: On March 17, 2020, the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Executive Director  determined that energy, water, sewer, and communications companies under CPUC jurisdiction should halt customer disconnections for non-payment as a result of the State of Emergency called by Gov. Gavin Newsom due to COVID-19.This means that California residents, retroactive to March 4, who are not able to pay their water, sewer, energy or communications bills during the state’s novel coronavirus state of emergency will not be at risk of having their services shut off.

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): Provides a 30-35% discount on your utility bill and potentially a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill.

The Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA): Families whose household income slightly exceeds the CARE allowances will qualify to receive FERA discounts, which bills apply a 12% discount on their electricity bill.

  •  Call your electric utility if your family qualifies
  •  Or, apply HERE (for PG&E customers)

Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA): Provides no-cost weatherization services to low-income households who meet the CARE income guidelines.

  •  For more information find your utility provider HERE

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program: provides assistance to eligible low-income households with the goal of managing and meeting their immediate home heating and/or cooling needs.

  •  Click HERE to see what services are available under this program.

California LifeLine: Provides customers with a reduced rate on their monthly cell phone or home telephone bills. There is also some additional support provided for the disabled or deaf as part of LifeLine.

  •  For more information, call 1-866-272-0349

HOMEOWNERSHIP & RENTAL ASSISTANCE:

NOTICE: California Statewide Eviction Moratorium: On March 27, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order banning the enforcement of eviction orders for renters affected by COVID-19 through May 31, 2020. The order prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent and prohibits enforcement of evictions by law enforcement or courts.

  • Please note that tenants are only safe from eviction for nonpayment due to Covid-19 and may still be evicted for other reasons.
  • It also requires tenants to declare in writing, no more than seven days after the rent comes due, that the tenant cannot pay all or part of their rent due to COVID-19.

The tenant would be required to retain documentation but not required to submit it to the landlord in advance. And the tenant would remain obligated to repay full rent in a timely manner and could still face eviction after the enforcement moratorium is lifted. The order takes effect immediately, and provides immediate relief to tenants for whom rent is due on April 1st.

Governor Newsom also announced a major financial relief package that included mortgage payment forbearances. For more information please view our blog post.

 

California Homebuyer’s Downpayment Assistance Program (CHDAP): Supports the needs of renters and homebuyers by providing financing and programs so more low to moderate-income Californians have a place to call home.

  •  Check if you’re eligible HERE

California Housing Finance Agency Hardship Line: Provide help when a borrower has missed a mortgage payment.

  •  Call 1 (800) 669-1079 for information.

California HUD Approved Foreclosure Counseling Agencies: Below you will find a listing of agencies that can provide homeowners with access to a housing or mortgage counselor who can advise them on a wide variety of free or low-cost mortgage assistance programs.

Keep Your Home California Program: Provides aid to low to moderate-income borrowers across the state who need help with paying their mortgage.

  •  For more information call (888) 954-KEEP (5337)

The Section 8 Program: Also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, this program provides financial assistance to low-income families who are unable to afford a home.

  •  To determine if you are eligible for section 8 benefits, click HERE

Homeownership Preservation Foundation: Free housing counseling for homeowners

  •  Visit 995Hope
  • Or, call 1-888-995-4673

SERVICES FOR CHILDREN:

Children’s Health Insurance Program: provide no-cost or low-cost health coverage for eligible children in California.

Child Care Resource & Referral Network: Helps you find child care in your area.

Child Health and Disability Prevention Program: Provides periodic health assessments and services to low-income children and youth.

Sight for Students: Vision care for low-income children with no insurance

California Early Start: Services for infants and toddlers at risk of disability or who have a disability.

California Child Care Resource & Referral Programs: Pregnant and parenting teens in the Cal-Learn program are also eligible to receive CalWORKs child care. Child care is provided for children through the age of 12, and for exceptional needs and severely disabled children up to age 21.

The California Healthy Kids Resource Center: Provides access to educational resources that can be borrowed at no cost.

Center for Parent Information & Resources: Provide support and services to families.

Center for Early Literacy Learning: provide parents and teachers with simple ways to enhance daily activities and routines with literacy specific opportunities.

 Reach Out & Read: Provide training, resources, and support to help children make reading a daily routine.

Text4Baby: Makes it easy to get important information about your baby’s development, pregnancy, childcare tips, and more. Women who text BABY (or BEBE for Spanish) to 511411 receive free text messages three times per week, timed to their due date or their baby’s birth date, through pregnancy and up until the baby’s first birthday.

Women, Infants, & Children Program: WIC helps families by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and vouchers for healthy foods.

  • To apply call 1-800-472-2321 or 909-252-5170
  • Or, visit m.wic.ca.gov to find a WIC local agency site near you.

EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES:

 Unemployment Insurance: Pays benefits to workers who have lost their job and meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

  • If you have become unemployed or partially unemployed, you may file a UI claim.

Senior Community Service Employment Program: matches eligible older adults with part-time training assignments for non-profit organizations. For most, their SCSEP experience leads to permanent employment.

Head Start: Provides comprehensive developmental services for low-income children from birth to entry into elementary school.

California State Disability Insurance: provides short-term Disability Insurance (DI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) wage replacement benefits to eligible workers who need time off work.

America’s Job Center of California (AJCC): Links all of California’s state and local workforce services and resources. You can find your nearest job center, job seeker resources, information for employers, and more.

MyFreeTaxes: United Way is proud to offer MyFreeTaxes, a service to help families earning less than $66,000 file their federal and state taxes online free of charge.

Free Computers: Free computers are available for low-income students through The On It Foundation and Computers with Causes

Education Resources for Spanish Speakers / Recursos en Espanol: Resources from the United States Department of Education for Spanish speakers.

SHELTER SERVICES & HOUSING SUPPORTS:

CalWORKs Housing Support Program: Assists homeless CalWORKs families in obtaining permanent housing, and can provide temporary shelter, help with moving costs, short to medium term rental subsidies and wraparound case management.

CalWORKs Homeless Assistance: Can provide payments for temporary shelter for up to 16 consecutive calendar days, as well as payments to secure or maintain housing, including a security deposit and last month’s rent, or up to two months of rent arrearages.

Bringing Families Home Program: Serves homeless families involved with the child welfare system and is designed to offer housing support in order for families to successfully reunify.

Housing and Disability Advocacy Program: Assists homeless, disabled individuals apply for disability benefit programs, while also providing housing supports.

Home Safe Program: Support the safety and housing stability of individuals involved in Adult Protective Services (APS) who are experiencing, or at imminent risk of experiencing, homelessness due to elder or dependent adult abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation.

SERVICES FOR UNDOCUMENTED COMMUNITIES:

Parenting Guidance: Get parenting guidance on talking to young and school-age children about coronavirus in English or Spanish

Mental Health: Care for yourself and loved ones with the Informed Immigrant’s Mental Health Toolkit

Crisis Counselor: To connect with a crisis counselor about anxiety, isolation, concerns about school, financial stress, etc. related to COVID-19, text SHARE to 741741 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.

Staying Connected: Wednesdays and Sundays from 5-6 PM (PT), join Immigrants Rising’s virtual Wellness Gatherings dedicated to helping undocumented young people stay grounded and connected to one another.

Knowing Your Rights: Protecting Immigrant Families explains your rights when accessing health services.

Health Care Resources: United We Dream published a list of state-specific health care resources for undocumented folks.

Video Conferencing: Several video conferencing software companies have opened up free access to their premium features including Cisco Webex, Google Hangouts (for schools and businesses), and Zoom (for K-12 schools)

Internet: Carriers like Charter, Comcast, and AT&T are offering free or reduced-cost internet access for students and low-income families. Learn more

Car Rentals: Car rental agencies (Avis & Enterprise) will waive underage fees for college students, under 25, who are returning home.

Food Aid: If you have family members who are citizens, you may be eligible for CalFresh benefits. Learn more here in English or Spanish.

UndocuScholars: Has created an extensive list of nationwide resources for undocumented Communities facing COVID-19

Legal Aid at Work: Provides clarity about Undocumented Workers’ Employment Rights, as well as a Coronavirus FAQs in English, Spanish & Chinese

Protecting API Workers: APALA has an infographic for employers with information on Protecting API Workers

Covid-19 and Laws Enforced: California Labor Commissioner’s Office released FAQs on COVID-19 and Laws Enforced in English and Spanish

Worker Pay: County Office of Labor Standards Enforcement has an infographic detailing Covid-19 Impact on Workers Pay (check your local CA county office)

Relief Funds: Relief Funds For Undocumented Workers In California (available in English and Spanish)

Unemployment Benefits: The California Employment Development Department (EDD) is encouraging individuals with DACA and other employment authorizations who are affected by coronavirus layoffs to apply for unemployment benefits. Workers don’t have to be sick to qualify. Individuals who were laid off or had hours reduced due to coronavirus restrictions can also apply.

  • Applying for unemployment benefits? Check out this step-by-Step application assistance created by the Jewish Family & Children-East Bay in English or Spanish

Immigration Services: Offer many types of free legal services, as well as information about other services that support immigrants such as outreach, community education, and other immigration remedies. Find immigration legal services for other immigration remedies throughout California such as T-Visa, U-Visa, Violence Against Women Act, and Asylum via the webpage:

California Immigrant Guide: Immigrants seeking help with English language learning, workforce skill development, naturalization preparation or legal assistance, can find information on available services throughout the state at

Unaccompanied Undocumented Minors Legal Services: Unaccompanied minors may be eligible to obtain an immigration status including Asylum, T-Visa, U-Visa, and/or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) via the California Department of Social Services website below.

Immigrant Response Funds: Visit this link to view a list of state and nationwide immigrant response funds.

 

REGIONAL ASSISTANCE & SERVICES:

Monterrey Bay: UndocuFund Monterey Bay is a collaborative effort to assist Monterey Bay area undocumented immigrant workers impacted by COVID-19. The fund will help individuals and families with a one-time emergency assistance in this time of crisis.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

Take Charge America: Offer short term debt relief programs, and also longer-term credit counseling as well as debt assistance to help people become self-sufficient over the long term.

  • Call 866-528-0588 for a referral to a local branch.

 American Consumer Credit Counseling: Offer a number of debt reduction programs. Credit counselors from ACCC will work one on one with clients to offer them access to numerous financial solutions.

  • For more information call 1-800-769-3571.

California Work Opportunity & Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKS) Child Care: Current or former CalWORKs cash aid recipients are eligible to receive assistance with paying for child care with a provider of their choice if they are employed or participating in county approved Welfare-to-Work activities.

Human Trafficking: IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 911

  • National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline 1 (888) 373-7888

Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program: Provides a monthly payment to eligible persons who use a guide, signal, or service dog to help them.

  •  For more information visit the ASDA webpage
  • Or, call (916) 657-2628

Power of Attorney for Financial Matters: This form is pretty standard and states who has the authority to manage your financial affairs when you are unable or unavailable to do so.

Advanced Health Care Directive: This is a form document that has been prepared and made available by the California Judicial Council. You will want several copies of this once it is executed – for your house, your doctor, and the hospital if you need to be admitted for any reason.

Last Will and Testament:  This resource is a tool for people to easily begin the process to prepare their Last Will and Testament.