Huge numbers of tenants were able to stay in their homes rent-free under the protection of the eviction moratorium
However, this caused financial problems for property owners, who accumulated debt by not being able to pay their mortgages or utilities.
But a Los Angeles County program is offering help to these homeowners whose tenants haven’t paid rent during the pandemic.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed an ordinance Thursday that allows housing development companies to build new low-income homes without having to wait months for permits.
Help is available to those who did not receive financial assistance from the state government. Properties must be located in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
“You have to own properties of four units or less, located in Los Angeles County, but not in the city of Los Angeles,” said Christian Olmos, deputy director of the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Services.
If your landlord was financially affected by non-payments by your tenants between March 1, 2020 and the end of March of this year, and did not receive state aid, you may qualify for up to $30,000.
But you must meet an important requirement.
“By accepting relief funds, the landlord agrees to forgive the tenant’s debt and not evict the tenant. That is very important,” Olmos said.
To qualify, the owner must have a mortgage with a balance of less than $1 million and show that the lack of rent payments affected them.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development has released the 2023 state income limits, which show what is considered low income in every county in the state.
The requirements to prove it are proof of your income and debts, tax returns, contracts, mortgage documents, among others.
The cutoff for distribution of funds is December, but because funds are limited, the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Services urges homeowners to apply for assistance as soon as possible.
People who apply for help will receive a notification in about 30 days, if they meet the requirements.
For help in Spanish with the application process, you can call Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles Countyat 213 381 2862. There they will guide you on the application process, if you qualify.
To fill out the online application, Click here.
