On December 20, 2022, Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Supervisor Kathryn Barger introduced a proposal that directs the County Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Director of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) to report back within 30 days on the development of a small “Mom-and-Pop” landlord assistance program. The pilot was funded with $5 million. Then, at the start of 2023, both supervisors co-authored a motion to allocate an additional $40 million in funding. 

The allocation of the additional $40 million in funding will enable the creation of a Countywide Rent Relief Program benefitting mom-and-pop landlords and some tenants. 

“I am pleased to share that the L.A. County Rent Relief Program portal is now live, and will start accepting applications on Tuesday, December 12, at 9:00 a.m.” Supervisor Mitchell stated in a recent newsletter to constituents.  

Eligible applicants among small-operation landlords may receive up to $30,000 per rental unit for past due rent, and qualifying expenses incurred from April 1, 2022, to date on a rolling basis. 

The deadline to submit applications is Friday, January 12, 2024. 

When asked about the specific criteria being used to ensure the funds reach those who need it most,  DCBA Public Information Officer Keven Chavez responded with the following points: 

• Affected units located in the highest need geographies as defined, and identified in the L.A. County Equity Explorer tool
• Landlord or tenant whose household income is 80 percent or below the L.A. County Area Median Income (AMI)
• Landlords who have fully satisfied a tenant’s debt for the eligible period upon receipt of a rent relief grant
• Landlords can own no more than four rental units

“We are keeping the application portal open for an extended period to ensure landlords have ample time to complete their applications – and as we do across all our programming, we are nimble, and prepared to make changes, and pivot as issues arise so that delivery of this programming is seamless and efficient,” Chavez said. 

According to the California Housing Partnership, in L.A. County, 521,596 extremely low-income (ELI) renter households do not have access to an affordable home. 56 percent of renter households are rent-burdened, paying more than 30 percent of their monthly income on rent, while 31 percent are severely burdened, paying more than 50 percent of their monthly income on rent. 

“The L.A. County Rent Relief Program and its partners have distributed press releases across our networks, made regular announcements via our social media platforms, and have undertaken additional digital marketing strategies including Google optimization, ad-buys, and billboard placements. The program also has a dedicated Local Partner Network, comprised of eight community organizations who will be conducting virtual and in-person outreach, and education,” Chavez told Westside Voice. 

To apply, or to send to someone you know who might be eligible, use this link: https://lacountyrentrelief.com/

Graphic Developed by the California Housing Partnership