Emergency Rental Assistance and New State Legislation for Eviction Protection
We know there are a lot of questions about protecting renters from eviction due to COVID-19. We share your concerns and have been working hard to help tenants stay in their homes. Did you know the City has an emergency rental assistance program? Or that the Governor signed new legislation this week, AB 3088, to provide eviction protections? To find out more, keep reading.
Emergency Rental Assistance
In March 2020, the City Council took action to fund a COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Fund to help households, including childcare providers, who experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19 and have no other alternative sources of income, such as paid leave or unemployment insurance.
By the first week of May, the City received more than 1,100 applications — quadruple the number of applications typically received in an entire year. We dramatically increased funding and staff working on our rent assistance program with great results. To date, the City has provided over $2 million in rent relief to 975 households.
In fact, 45% of all tenants in the entire County who are receiving rent assistance are getting help right here in Redwood City at our Fair Oaks Community Center.
If you need rental assistance due to COVID-19, please visit www.redwoodcity.org/housingresources to check eligibility.
Note: Clients who have been previously assisted and need second time assistance do not need to complete an online application, instead, call (650) 780–7500 to be considered for second time assistance.
New State Legislation AB 3088
There is a lot of information out there about new State legislation, AB 3088, which was signed into law this past Monday, August 31. AB 3088 provides protections for tenants from evictions due to COVID-19 related non-payment of rents from March 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021. To read the Governor’s Press Release, click here.
What does this mean for local eviction protections?
Any action taken now by the City related to non-payment of rent could not be enforced while the State law is in effect (currently through February 1, 2021).
We are aware that many individuals are concerned that the law may not go far enough to support tenants, property owners or both. We understand additional State legislation may be considered in 2021 and we will be following that closely.
Where can I learn more about AB 3088 Landlord, Tenant and Homeowner Protections?
A new State website www.housingiskey.com launched today, September 2, 2020, to provide guidance and resources for landlords, tenants and homeowners. The website includes new eviction framework and protections, as well as toolkits, legal aid resources and Frequently Asked Questions.
To read to Governor’s Press Release, click here.
Legal and Tenant/Landlord Assistance
If you need legal and tenant/landlord assistance, please contact the following organizations:
Community Legal Services of East Palo Alto
(650) 326–6440
www.youarecommunity.org
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County
Main: (650) 558–0915
Housing Clinic: (650) 517–8911
www.legalaidsmc.org/covid19
Project Sentinel
(650) 399–2149
www.housing.org
