We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it hard for many renters to pay their rent because they have lost their jobs, had their work hours reduced, or have had to stay home to care for family members.

For more than a year, the Governor and Legislature have worked together to pass multiple laws for tenants experiencing COVID-19-related financial distress. Due to the ongoing pandemic and the substantial effect it continues to have on the economy, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, laws that extend and expand critical protections and also establish a statewide rental assistance program.

Here is what you need to know:

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Apply for rental assistance through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program!

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• The Rent Relief Program pays eligible tenants and landlords 100% of a tenant’s past-due rent and utilities going as far back as April 1, 2020.

• Having your overdue rent paid by the Rent Relief Program can protect you from eviction and debt-collection lawsuits.

• The program is free and does not currently have a deadline, but because funding may be limited, renters are encouraged to apply as soon as possible if they know they may struggle to cover past or prospective rent and utilities.

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Beginning October 1, 2021, your landlord must apply for rental assistance before they can try to evict you through the courts for failing to pay your rent.

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• Although your landlord may give you a notice to “pay or quit” (which is a notice from your landlord that gives you a certain amount of time to pay the outstanding rent you owe or vacate your home) at any time, they will not be able to legally evict you without first applying to the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.

• If you receive a notice to “pay or quit,” it is strongly recommended that you immediately get legal assistance to determine and protect your rights. If your notice to “pay or quit” includes a “Declaration of COVID-19 related financial distress”—and you have been financially impacted by the pandemic—you should sign and return the declaration to your landlord within 15 business days to bolster your protection.
  
  It is very important that you apply for rental assistance within 15 business days of receiving a “pay or quit” notice or within 15 business days of receiving a notice from the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program that your landlord has started an application on your behalf.
  
  It is also recommended that you notify your landlord once you have applied for rental assistance, as this step can help you in both eviction and rental debt collection lawsuits.