San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed and the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) are encouraging residents to apply to the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program ahead of the March 31, 2022 deadline. The statewide program helps California tenants who experienced financial hardship during the pandemic cover unpaid rent and utilities. The California Department of Housing and Community Development has committed to providing assistance to all eligible tenants who apply by the end of the month.

MOHCD is partnering with community-based organizations throughout San Francisco to help residents complete their applications, including those in need of technical support or for whom English is not their primary language. Prospective applicants can visit the sf.gov/renthelp webpage to learn more about the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program and find local organizations providing free application assistance, tenant counseling, and eviction defense services.

“This program has helped thousands of San Franciscans remain housed during the pandemic, but we know that even as our city’s recovery continues, countless residents are still struggling to make ends meet,” said Mayor Breed. “We are grateful that the State is committed to providing this assistance, and we will do everything we can to help those in need of this relief access these funds so they can stay in their homes without fear of eviction or displacement.”

“The goal of the City is to make sure that all tenants eligible for state rental assistance receive assistance,” said Eric Shaw, Director of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. “We are working with City and community partners to make sure that tenants are aware of the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program and get the support they need to apply for rental assistance by March 31.”

Eligible tenants may receive up to 18 months of financial assistance to pay outstanding rent and utilities. Program eligibility is based on income, with a maximum annual income of $102,450 for a single person and $146,350 for a family of four. To apply, the housingiskey.com online portal asks tenants to provide information on income and amounts owed. Landlords may also apply on behalf of tenants. The program has distributed close to $103 million to over 8,900 San Francisco households since its launch last spring.

A broad coalition of stakeholders, including the San Francisco Anti-Displacement Coalition, the San Francisco Apartment Association, and the Eviction Defense Collaborative, has mobilized to provide outreach and assistance to help renters apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program ahead of the deadline.

“We know that the uncertainty of this period can be scary, but you are not alone,” said Molly Goldberg, Director of the San Francisco Anti-Displacement Coalition. “From help applying for rent relief to information about your rights to legal assistance, the San Francisco  Anti-Displacement Coalition’s member organizations are here to help you stay in your home.”

“We understand that many tenants and property owners have struggled financially during the pandemic,” said Charley Goss of the San Francisco Apartment Association. “The SFAA is partnering with the City to provide free resources to help property owners and their tenants apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program before March 31.”

“No tenant should have to bear the brunt of a rental housing crisis triggered by a global pandemic,” said Martina Cucullu Lim, Executive Director of Eviction Defense Collaborative. “EDC continues to support the rights of every tenant through free legal representation. Losing your home due to nonpayment of rent during this unparalleled time is a nonstarter.”

For information on how to apply to the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program and a full list of local rent relief resources, visit sf.gov/renthelp.

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