Updated on July 14, 2021 at 3:48 pm
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An assembly bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in June has allowed the Chula Vista Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services) to expand and now pay for 100% of past-due, current and upcoming rent for eligible applicants.
On June 30, Gov. Newsom signed AB 832 which expanded cash assistance for California renters and landlords. Other updates to the program include:
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Past-due rent assistance paid to landlords: This program will now pay 100% of past-due rent for those who qualify. Previously the program paid 80% of arrears if the landlord agreed to forgive 20%.
Applications are also open for Chula Vista residents who need to apply for rental assistance and utility bill assistance. The city has $16.8 million in state and federal funds to distribute through the Chula Vista Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
And for struggling residents in unincorporated San Diego, Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, and Vista, San Diego County has funds to assist.
All three rental assistance programs work similarly. Here s How:
The programs pay 80% of a tenant s past-due rent from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, directly to landlords who agree to certain terms, including agreeing to waive the remaining 20%. If not, the program will pay a tenant directly 25% of their past-due rent instead.