Culver City, Los Angeles County start COVID-19 rent programs

Los Angeles County has begun accepting applications for the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. This program aims to assist low-income renters who are struggling to pay their rent and/or who have fallen behind on rent due to COVID-19. Those who are most at need will be prioritized by the program for increased assistance, and the program will focus on targeted areas based on zip codes. 

One of Culver City’s two zip codes, 90232, is all those on the list of targeted areas for the program, but those outside of targeted areas can still apply. The program is available to all residents of the County who qualify (with the exception of residents living in the City of Los Angeles, as the City also received its own allocation of CARES Act funds). For a full list of targeted zip codes, visit https://wwwa.lacda.org/programs/rent-relief-zip-codes. 

The program launched on Aug. 17 and will close on Aug. 31.

LA County’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Program will be operated by the LA County Development Authority (LACDA), and is funded by an allocation of $100 million in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act meant to assist between 8,000 and more than 9,000 renting households with limited means.

In order to participate, you must provide a W-9 form, and the property owner must sign a participation agreement for the program. Please note citizenship documentation will not be requested from any party (renter or property owner).

Applications can be submitted at 211la.org/lacounty/rentrelief — which is available 24/7 — or by dialing 2-1-1 between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To learn more or apply, visit rentrelief.lacda.org or dial 2-1-1. 

Additionally, Culver City is hosting its own rental assistance program. This assistance will come as either 12 months worth of rental assistance or three months worth of rental catch up to those in qualified income brackets. Final selection for the program will be done by lottery.

The requirements to qualify for the program are very similar to the Los Angeles program, and are the following: 

  • Provide a current lease or rental agreement, documentation or statements from the property owner.   
  • Meet extremely low, very low, or low-income limits. Applicants will be required to provide documentation of all household members and household income.   
  • Be economically affected by COVID-19 (e.g., job loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19). Applicants must provide documentation of the inability to pay rent due to COVID-19 related matters and expenses (e.g., medical or childcare).  
  • Only submit one application per household, address or social security number.  

The online application period will be open from Thursday, Aug. 20 at 8 a.m. until Sat., Aug. 22 at 11:59 p.m. The application link will be available online once the application period has opened.   

Applicants who are unable to apply online must request a paper application, which will be available only on Monday, Aug. 24 by calling 310-253-5780 or emailing housing@culvercity.org. Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed no later than Monday, Aug. 31, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. to: 

Culver City Community Development Department, Housing Division , 9770 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232. 

Paper applications may also be submitted by Aug. 31 by 4:30 p.m. to the Housing Division drop box located on the second floor of Culver City Hall at the above address. Â