Berkeley: For Those Late Or Struggling With Rent Or Utilities, Assistance Available

Berkeley CA

26 March, 2021

10:28 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Berkeley: March 25, 2021 Low-income tenants or landlords with less than 5 units qualify Berkeley, California (Thursday, March 25, 2021) - Low-income tenants or small landlords in Berkeley struggling to pay rent or utilities because of the pandemic can apply online for assistance to cover both past and future costs. Tenants who can apply are those who make less than 80 percent of the area median income. Grants will be first given to those tenants who: live in subsidized affordable housing units OR make less than 30 percent of the area median income Qualifying landlords in this phase are those who have 5 units or less. See Alameda County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program website and apply online for Tenant Assistance or Landlord Assistance. Low income tenants in Berkeley needing more information or assistance with the online application can call the Eviction Defense Center at 510-452-4541. También se puede leer sobre la Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia en Español. Si Usted es un inquilino de bajos ingresos en la Ciudad de Berkeley y necesita ayuda con llenar la aplicación, llame al Eviction Defense Center. 510-452-4541 . The City also provides financial assistance for those facing eviction for certain non-pandemic reasons, including domestic violence and unexpected medical or disability expenses. See our Housing Retention Program page for details. Who is eligible? If one or more individuals in your household meet all of the following, you are eligible to apply: Tenant in Alameda County, except for Oakland and Fremont. Have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to COVID-19; Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which may include: Past-due rent or utilities or unsafe or unhealthy living conditions; and Have a household income that is not more than 80% of the area median income, ranging from a maximum income of $73,100 for a single person to $129,000 for a household of 7. Applicants will not be asked about their citizenship, nor will they be required to show proof of citizenship. Documents you'll need to gather before applying Make sure you have these documents before applying. Government-issued photo ID for every household member over the age of 18. Proof of current income + proof of loss of income due to COVID-19, which may include the following: Declaration of COVID-Related Financial Hardship A letter of termination from your job Most recent pay stub with employer's information Proof that you have applied for unemployment benefits Proof that your unemployment benefits have expired, including unemployment benefits provided through the CARES Act For those self-employed: tax records, income statements, or other evidence showing loss of income Other items will be considered Proof of residency and the amount of rent owed. Proof of current pre-tax household income. To help gather your documents, download this checklist. If the pandemic has hurt your ability to pay rent or utilities, apply! Keep up with City of Berkeley news via our News page, email or Follow @CityofBerkeley . This press release was produced by the City of Berkeley. The views expressed here are the author's own.