California renters who fell behind on rent due to COVID-19 hardships had important rights and access to resources under Assembly Bill 832 (AB 832). This law expanded protections for renters and created more ways for struggling tenants to receive emergency rental assistance during the pandemic. While the California COVID-19 Rent Relief program is now closed, understanding what was available (and what options still exist) can help you plan your next steps and seek additional support.
AB 832 was passed to extend the state’s pandemic-era eviction protections and increase financial assistance for renters. Tenants who were unable to pay rent due to job loss, illness, or other COVID-19-related hardships were eligible for help. The law created systems for tenants and landlords to access emergency rental assistance, easing housing instability across the state.
The California COVID-19 Rent Relief program was designed to help tenants pay both past-due and future rent. Qualified renters could receive assistance covering 100% of unpaid rent from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022. Funds were typically sent directly to landlords to keep tenants housed and avoid eviction. Although the program has ended, renters should still review local resources, as some cities and counties offer continued rental aid.
Learn more at Housing.CA.gov.
California’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) used federal funds to provide vital support to renters and landlords affected by the pandemic. The program covered rent and utility bills to reduce the risk of eviction. While statewide applications are no longer being accepted, local emergency rental assistance may still be available in select counties.
For general help navigating your options, visit Credit.org's Rent4Success Counseling: https://credit.org/housing-services/rental-counseling
If you’re still struggling to pay rent, it’s important to contact local rental assistance programs. Even though the main state program has ended, city and county initiatives may still be open. In some cases, organizations offer emergency grants or legal support to help you remain in your home.
If you applied for assistance before the program closed, you may still be waiting for your application status to update. Applicants should continue checking their email or text alerts, and follow up with the program administrators if needed. If you didn’t apply before the deadline, don’t panic; resources may still be available through local nonprofits or municipal aid programs.
To qualify for any rental assistance programs, past or present, applicants generally had to meet specific criteria, including:
Many local programs still follow these eligibility guidelines. Households at greater risk of housing instability, such as those with lower incomes or disabilities, may be prioritized.
In addition to rent, utility assistance was included in most programs under AB 832. If you’re behind on electricity, gas, or water payments, reach out to your utility provider. Some utility companies still offer forgiveness or assistance programs to customers who experienced hardship.
Though the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program has closed, its site may still provide archived information, FAQs, and links to county-level support.
AB 832 included protections for survivors of domestic violence. If you had to flee your home or break a lease due to abuse, you may still be eligible for help. Organizations that support survivors often provide housing support or referrals to financial aid resources.
Housing instability became a serious concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for low-income families and individuals facing job loss. AB 832 was California’s response to that crisis, aiming to prevent homelessness and displacement through broad renter protections. Even now, the financial effects are still felt by many households, and understanding what resources are available can help reduce the risk of eviction.
If you’re dealing with housing instability, seek help right away. The sooner you act, the more likely you are to find a solution. Credit.org's HUD-approved housing counseling helps renters as well as homeowners.
Even though the main statewide rental assistance program has ended, many counties and cities continue to offer support. You may still be able to receive financial assistance through nonprofit agencies, local government offices, or housing programs funded by other grants. Be sure to:
If you’re behind on rent, keep an open line of communication with your property manager. Let them know that you're seeking help and provide proof that you’ve applied for any assistance. Many property managers are willing to work with tenants who are making a good-faith effort to resolve their situation.
Avoid waiting until you receive an eviction notice; being proactive can protect your rental history and your housing stability.
Legal help is available for renters facing eviction, unfair treatment, or denial of rental assistance. Organizations like Legal Aid or tenant advocacy groups can help you understand your rights, respond to court notices, and apply for available support. If your landlord is not cooperating with assistance programs or is threatening illegal eviction, seek legal help immediately.
You can find low-cost or free legal assistance at LawHelpCA.org or through your county’s housing legal aid office.
If you applied for rental assistance while the California COVID-19 Rent Relief program was open, you may still be waiting for results. Some applicants are still in the system, especially those who submitted materials right before the deadline. To check your status:
Keeping records of all your communications and documentation can be helpful if your application is delayed.
Even though the state’s main program has closed, local assistance is still possible. In many areas, renters can receive help from:
Receiving assistance might involve submitting updated paperwork like your current income, lease agreement, and a letter explaining your hardship.
The availability of rental assistance programs varies by region. Some counties and cities have reopened applications or used new funding sources to support renters. Programs may be labeled differently, like “eviction prevention,” “emergency housing help,” or “rent support grants”, but they serve similar purposes.
If your local assistance program is still open, apply right away. These programs often operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
-min.webp)
The ERA program (Emergency Rental Assistance) was the broader federal initiative that funded many state and local efforts, including California’s rent relief program. Though the original ERA funding is exhausted, knowing how it worked can help you understand similar future opportunities.
Keep an eye out for news on additional relief programs from the U.S. Department of the Treasury or your state government. For now, local agencies may be your best resource.
Tenants still have rights under California law, even with the pandemic protections ending. You cannot be evicted without proper legal notice, and landlords must follow due process. If you are unsure about your situation, reach out to a tenant support organization or legal clinic.
Resources like Tenants Together provide updated information about renters' rights, advocacy tools, and how to respond to eviction threats.
If you receive an eviction notice, act immediately. Do not ignore it. Under California law, you have rights and options that can help you stay in your home or buy more time. Depending on your situation, you might be able to stop or delay the eviction, especially if you’re waiting for assistance or facing hardship.
Steps to take:
Being proactive gives you the best chance to resolve the issue before it goes to court.
Even if you're not eligible for rent relief anymore, there may be other types of financial assistance available. This could include:
Search local nonprofit networks, community resource centers, or government sites like 211 California (https://www.211ca.org/) for a complete list of services in your area.
Low-income households were hit hardest by the pandemic. If you're struggling to recover, you may qualify for programs that weren’t part of the COVID-specific response but still provide critical support. These programs include:
Check with your city or county for ongoing resources that support long-term housing security.
Survivors of domestic violence are legally protected under both California law and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). If you’ve experienced abuse or had to leave a home due to violence, you cannot be denied rental assistance solely because of your circumstances.
Landlords are also prohibited from evicting or denying housing to someone because they are a victim of domestic violence. If you're facing discrimination, contact a housing rights organization or legal advocate immediately.
Landlords who accepted funds under AB 832 agreed to forgive a portion of the tenant’s debt and not pursue eviction for that time period. However, if landlords refused to participate, tenants could still receive funds directly. Both applicants and property owners were encouraged to cooperate, but there were protections in place for renters even without full landlord participation.
If you’re a landlord who didn’t receive payment or a tenant unsure of your status, consider contacting the program administrator for final documentation.
In the absence of formal rental assistance programs, some community-based organizations have stepped in to offer help. These may include:
Some provide direct funds to pay rent, while others offer case management, landlord mediation, or access to free legal support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; these services exist to keep people housed.
If you're facing threats of eviction, being locked out illegally, or dealing with unsafe housing conditions, legal help is essential. You may qualify for free or low-cost legal representation through:
Start by searching your county name + “renter legal aid” to find qualified professionals.
If you're applying for assistance, even from local organizations, you’ll likely need to provide documentation such as:
Be prepared to verify your current situation. If you're unsure what’s needed, ask the program directly. They may accept alternate forms of verification.
To avoid delays or rejections, follow these best practices when applying for rental assistance:
If you're applying to a county-level program, keep a backup copy of your application for your records.
If you've already applied for help, be sure to follow up. Many programs faced backlogs, and some applicants were asked to submit additional information. If you don't hear back within the expected time frame, log in to your portal, call the support number, or contact the administering agency.
Key follow-up tips:
Although the California COVID-19 Rent Relief program has ended, new programs could launch in the future. Local governments may receive funding from other sources, such as:
Stay connected to local housing authorities and nonprofit organizations that help low-income tenants. You can also monitor updates at housing.ca.gov for the latest on rental and utility support.
Eviction mediation services may be available in your area. These programs aim to help renters and landlords work out payment plans or mutual agreements that prevent court action. Mediation can buy time to find resources or avoid an eviction judgment on your record.
Ask your city or county housing department if mediation services are available or contact a local legal aid group for a referral.
Tenants in California have strong legal protections. You can’t be evicted without notice, and landlords must go through proper legal channels. Even if you're behind on rent, it's illegal for a landlord to:
If you experience any of these actions, seek immediate legal assistance. You can contact a local fair housing agency or a tenants’ rights group.
If your rental assistance application was denied, you may still have options. Review the denial notice for the reason, which might include missing paperwork or income documentation. Some programs offer an appeal process or allow you to reapply.
Ask the agency that denied your application if you can submit additional information. Also, look into alternative local programs that may not have the same eligibility restrictions.
Stable housing is a foundation for physical and mental health, job stability, and family well-being. Losing a home due to temporary financial hardship can have lasting consequences. That’s why rental assistance programs (past and future) are essential to protecting vulnerable families and preventing homelessness.
Even if statewide efforts have ended, community-based support is still a lifeline for many. Don’t hesitate to explore every available option.
As the pandemic fades, recovery is still ongoing. If you’re dealing with unpaid rent, housing instability, or other related challenges, it’s okay to ask for help. Nonprofits, city governments, and legal services can guide you through the process and help you avoid future problems.
Keep monitoring new programs, especially those offering financial assistance or legal protections to renters. And stay organized; saving documents and communicating clearly will help if you apply for assistance again.
For more tools and advice, visit Credit.org's housing resources: https://credit.org/housing-services/rental-counseling
