By Lookout Staff

September 22, 2021 -- Santa Monica officials are encouraging renters and landlords to apply for financial assistance with rent and utilities before the State eviction moratorium ends September 30.

So far, more than 867 Santa Monica households have received over $14 million in state rental assistance, officials said.

They are among the 1,819 Santa Monica households that that have applied, with 569 more applications received by the State of California since focused outreach by the City began on August 4.

Based on the latest State data, Santa Monicans have requested $28.8 million in rental assistance and received an average assistance of $16,526 per household, officials said.

“With the statewide eviction moratorium expiring in eight days, now is the time to apply for rental assistance to ensure you can stay in your home,” said Chief Deputy City Attorney Eda Suh.

“If you have been impacted by COVID-19, are income eligible, and you are behind on or need help with your rent or utility payments, apply for this program before September 30.”

Tenants who apply for rental assistance by that date and are waiting to learn if they are eligible cannot be evicted through March 31, 2022, if they have met certain conditions, City officials said.

"Tenants who have lost income or had increased expenses due to the pandemic and who have unpaid rent or utilities or need help with future rent and utilities may qualify," officials said.

Landlords must apply for rent relief before attempting to evict tenants for non-payment.

To complete the application process, renters need proof of income, a copy of their rental agreement and a rent ledger showing how much is owed. Tenants who want help with utility bills need copies of bills.

"Even if applicants don’t have the paperwork, they can still apply," officials said.

Most of the information can be certified in the application, and the applicant will need to provide proof of identification.

Income-eligible applicants may qualify regardless of immigration status and will not be required to show proof of citizenship.

The state calculates and determines an applicant’s eligibility based on whether the household income meets a specified percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI).

The City is offering help for Santa Monica residents who need assistance applying for rent relief.

To ask questions or schedule appointments, tenants and landlords can call 311 or email 311@santamonica.gov with the subject "Help with Rental and Utility Assistance."

Appointments can be in-person, online or by phone for help with everything from filling out applications to help scanning or copying documents.

The State has set aside a total of $5.2 billion in rental assistance and $2 billion in utility assistance.

Tenants and landlords can contact the state Housing is Key program directly at housing.ca.gov or (833) 430-2122.