Reminder: State Rental Assistance Application Period Ends March 31st

The State of California’s “Housing is Key” Rent Relief Program will stop accepting applications effective as of 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2022.  For applications filed by the application deadline, these applications will continue to be processed after March 31, 2022.

The Housing is Key program provides financial assistance to housing providers and renters who need help with unpaid rent or utilities due to COVID-19, including up to 100% of renters’ unpaid rent dating back to April 1, 2020, as well as future payments for up to 18-months through the period ending March 31, 2022, and 100% of utility payments owed for a total of 12 months, including for months dating back to April 1, 2020, as well.  California was initially allocated $5.4 billion in Federal rental assistance fund and is now seeking an additional $1.9 billion from the Federal government from excess funds that were not needed by other jurisdictions.

Applicants that have already submitted an application at housingiskey.com should not submit a new application. All applicants (renters or housing providers) in need of additional financial assistance or to find the status of a pending application should check online at www.housing.ca.gov or call the “hotline” at (833) 430-2122.  Also, applicants can request assistance in applying, submitting paperwork, or scheduling an appointment by calling (833) 687-0967.  Assistance is available in multiple languages.