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Federal Relief Funds To Cover Back Rent For Some Californians

Anthony Crider
/
Wikimedia Commons
Rent Relief Protest

 

If you owe back rent because of the pandemic, a new rent relief program may be able to help. Federal funds could cover some tenants unpaid rent and utilities from last April through the end of this month. 

 

If you’re a renter, you can check in with your landlord to see if they’ll be applying. Eligible landlords can fill out an application to receive 80% of the unpaid rent through the state program if they waive the other 20%. 

 

Renters whose landlords choose not to apply can apply on their own, and could get 25 percent of back rent covered by the state.

 

To be eligible you must make 80% or less of the median income for your area. A person living alone in San Francisco would qualify if they make less than 80 thousand dollars a year. People who make less than half of the median area income will be prioritized. 

 

If you think you might qualify for rent relief, you can visit HousingIsKey.com or call 833-430-2122.

Originally from the East Bay, Vivian began working in radio at KZSC in Santa Cruz. After KZSC she hosted a show at New York radio station Radio Free Brooklyn, covering artists and art local to NYC. As a KALW intern, she works on news and stories local the Bay Area. Outside of the radio station, she loves to visit galleries and museums and go on hikes.