By Rachel Lampert
Landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic were facing the challenges of losing tenants and funds. Luckily there is a new program designed to help those to move forward. There has been a rent relief program put into place which is could potentially help landlords with up to $30,000.00 in compensation per unit. As of right now, the application window has been available since Monday, May 20th, and will be closing at 4:59 pm on Tuesday, June 4th. The program covers rent that was past due and utility bills.
LAist writer– Jill Replogle, describes the true origin of how the rent relief program came together. Repogle says. “The goal of the program is to prevent evictions while relieving landlords of financial burdens caused by their tenants’ inability to pay rent as a result of job loss, illness, or other hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic.” It helps those small landlords feel more secure about the rental situation and have that peace of mind. According to the official website for LA County Relief, they mention they are providing a certain number of grants which are specifically for those who are eligible the amount of money they’re willing to give is a total of $68,666,000.00 The website says. “If you are a tenant and have been unable to pay your rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please share with your landlord and encourage them to apply. The application is only available for landlords.” This total directly comes from the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) for those who are affiliated with Los Angeles County.
If you are a landlord or know of someone who is, you can file an application here at LA County Relief, (877) 849-0770 Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. PT not open during federal or state holidays. The other alternative is speaking with the LA County Board of Supervisors (213) 974-1411 and attending a city council meeting by dialing 311 or 213-473-3231.
References:
City of Los Angeles. (n.d.). City Council meetings. https://lacity.gov/government/calendar/city-council-meetings
LA County Rent Relief. (n.d.). Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program. https://www.lacountyrentrelief.com/
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. (n.d.). Board of Supervisors. https://bos.lacounty.gov/
Replogle, J. (2024, May 14). LA County to reopen COVID-era rent relief for landlords. LAist. https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/rent-relief-landlord-los-angeles-county