LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs announced Thursday it will open applications for emergency rent relief on Dec. 17. This is for residents impacted by January’s wildfires and new financial pressures tied to federal immigration crackdowns.
That application period for the Emergency Rent Relief Program will begin at 9 a.m. Dec. 17 and continue through 5 p.m. Jan. 23. The new program is expected to distribute more than $23 million in rental and mortgage relief to eligible landlords and homeowners. It is targeted at those affected by the Palisades, Eaton, and other wildfires, as well as households impacted by federal actions.
County officials urged residents and landlords to review eligibility requirements. They also encouraged signing up for updates, which will provide a link to the application portal when it opens. Additionally, access the application at lacountyrelief.com.
Grants may cover up to six months of debt, with a maximum award of $15,000 per rental unit in most cases. The program is administered by DCBA in partnership with The Center by Lendistry.
County officials emphasized that while the program helps tenants stay housed, tenants cannot apply directly. Landlords must submit the application, and all funds are paid to the landlord to clear eligible rental debt.
The programs will provide financial assistance to the following:
— Eligible landlords whose tenants were unable to pay rent due to emergency-related hardship. Or whose rental units were directly affected by the wildfires and remain vacant due to needed repairs; and
— Displaced homeowners who lost their homes in the wildfires and are now renting elsewhere. They may face unpaid rent, unpaid mortgages, or other qualified expenses caused by recent emergencies.
“When families are pushed into debt by unexpected disasters and financial hardships, the risk of losing their housing becomes very real. This program gives residents a fighting chance to stay in their homes and regain their stability,” DCBA Director Rafael Carbajal said in a statement. “It’s one of the most important investments we can make in the well-being and resilience of Los Angeles County.”
Once the application is online, county officials will ensure it is available in multiple languages. Free in-language technical assistance will be available daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, limited weekend support will be available by appointment only.
Applications will be evaluated using a prioritized review process to ensure relief reaches those most impacted, according to the department. Priority consideration will be given to the following:
— Small landlords who own four or fewer units;
— Applicants in high-and highest-need areas, as identified by the LA County Equity Explorer Tool; and
— Households with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.
Applicants were encouraged to apply early, though submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
The program covers three main groups:
— Wildfire-impacted tenants: Renters who lived in their unit before the Jan. 7 wildfires and experienced financial loss from the fires (e.g. reduced work hours, job loss, or business disruption) may receive up to six months of wildfire-related rent debt relief through their landlord’s application;
— Wildfire-impacted populations: This includes tenants with verifiable wildfire-related income loss, displaced homeowners who have fallen behind in rent after exhausting FEMA or insurance rental assistance, and small landlords repairing fire-damaged units. Most groups may receive up to six months of eligible costs, not to exceed $15,000 per unit (with limited exceptions); and
— Households facing emergency economic hardship: Renters countywide who experienced sudden income loss due to emergency conditions, including federal actions, may also qualify for up to six months of assistance, capped at $15,000.
