LA launches rental aid program funded by ‘Mansion Tax’.

Los​ Angeles ‌Launches Emergency Renters Assistance Program

The city of Los Angeles is taking action to support low-income renters at​ risk of homelessness due to COVID-19 or financial hardships. The Emergency Renters Assistance Program, set to launch on September 19, aims to ⁣provide​ financial aid for back rent.

Funded by Measure ⁢ULA, also known as the “mansion tax,” this program offers up to six months of rental assistance. Renters can easily apply online ⁤at⁣ the program’s website or by phone at 888-379-3150. The application period opens at 8 a.m. and ends on October 2 at 6 p.m.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must⁢ be a resident of the⁤ city of L.A., regardless of ⁢immigration status
• Must have experienced a loss of employment, reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or faced other financial hardships between ​March 2020 to ‌present
• Must have unpaid rent due to ⁢their‍ current landlord for‌ any month(s)⁢ between April 2020 to present
• Current household income is at or below⁢ 80 percent of the ⁤area medium income

The program has a total funding of $18.4 million ‍available. ​It is important to note that this is not a first-come, first-serve portal. ⁤Applications can ‌be submitted​ at any time during the application period.

This initiative marks the fourth time the city ​has provided financial assistance for paying back rent since the start of the pandemic. Previous programs have successfully supported hundreds ‌of thousands of people.

According to ⁤U.S. Census data, approximately 80,000 households in Los Angeles are⁢ behind on rent. While the available funding may not meet ⁢the entire​ need, it is a significant step forward in addressing the issue.

Anna Ortega, the assistant general manager of the housing department, encourages renters in need to visit the housing department’s website for comprehensive information. Bilingual services are available, and‌ interpreters can be arranged for other languages.

Renters can also seek assistance with their⁢ application by scheduling appointments in-person or visiting ⁢a Family Source Center.

Furthermore, the Housing Department plans to introduce⁢ an online portal on October‍ 23 to ⁤provide financial assistance for small landlords who own 12‌ or fewer⁤ units. This ‍will give landlords whose tenants may not have applied in ​the first phase an opportunity to submit their application.

By implementing the Emergency Renters Assistance Program and‌ other measures, Los ⁢Angeles aims to protect tenants, support affordable housing, and prevent evictions during these challenging times.

How will approved applicants receive the financial assistance for ⁤unpaid rent and how long will⁢ it take

Immigration status

Additionally, priority will be given to households with the lowest incomes and those who have​ experienced⁢ a greater financial impact due to the pandemic, such as ‍job loss or reduced ⁣hours.

Funds will be distributed ​on a first-come, first-served basis, with⁣ an emphasis on equitable distribution across‍ the city. The program will ⁤prioritize applicants ​who live in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by⁣ COVID-19 and communities with high rates of homelessness.

Approved applicants will​ receive direct payments to their landlords to cover unpaid rent. Payments will ⁢be made within two weeks of approval, and tenants will be notified by email⁤ or mail.

The‍ city of Los Angeles is currently facing an urgent housing crisis, worsened by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many low-income renters have lost their jobs ​or experienced reduced ‍income, making it ⁤challenging to keep⁢ up with rent payments. The Emergency Renters Assistance Program aims to provide immediate relief to those at risk of eviction and homelessness.

Mayor Eric Garcetti has expressed the city’s commitment to tackling this crisis and⁣ ensuring that all Angelenos have access to safe and affordable housing.‌ He stated, “The Emergency Renters Assistance Program is a lifeline for families struggling to ‌make ends meet. Keeping people ​in their⁣ homes is absolutely critical, and this program will help stabilize families‍ and neighborhoods during‌ these challenging⁣ times.”

Alongside the Emergency Renters Assistance Program, the city is also ⁣implementing other ‍measures ⁢to address the housing crisis and support the most vulnerable residents. These include expanding shelter capacity, increasing outreach‍ to individuals⁣ experiencing ⁤homelessness, and ⁣providing financial ⁤support for landlords with tenants facing financial hardships.

With the launch of the Emergency Renters ⁣Assistance ​Program, the ⁢city of Los Angeles aims to provide immediate relief and stability to low-income renters facing the ⁤threat of ⁤eviction and homelessness. By supporting ‌these individuals and families, the program not only‌ prevents further displacement but also⁣ helps to maintain the social and economic fabric ‌of the city.

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