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County launches rent relief fund to assist during pandemic

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Los Angeles County plans to start a $100 million rent relief fund next week to help residents in areas most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The money comes from federal coronavirus relief funds, will be managed by the Los Angeles County Development Authority, and will be paid directly to landlords to settle unpaid rent.

County officials said they hope the program will help 8,000 to 9,000 households. The program will open on Aug. 17 and remain open for two weeks to provide emergency rental assistance for low-income renters who are struggling as a result of the health and economic crisis.

Los Angeles residents are not eligible, as the city received a separate allocation of federal funds for its residents. The program will apply to residential properties only.

Residents unable to pay their rent and living on 30 percent of the median income can receive up to $10,000. Those at 50 percent of the median income can receive up to $7,500.

The eligible income limit for a household of four people, including money earned by all adults in that household, is $56,300. Residents can check their eligibility via a FAQ at 211la.org/lacounty/rentrelief.

Reasons for inability to pay rent can include loss of income due to reduced hours or business closures, medical costs related to COVID-19, increased child care costs, or loss of income related to emergency measures put in place after March 13.

Residents who live in ZIP codes at higher risk of eviction and other socio-economic vulnerabilities will be fast tracked for assistance, according to authorities. Approximately 50 percent of the funding will be allocated to these ZIP codes, which are identified on the LACDA website.

Renters who receive subsidies under Section 8 are not eligible.

All relief will be paid directly to landlords. A W-9 form is needed from property owners to receive rental income on behalf of their qualified tenant.

To receive money from Los Angeles County, owners must agree not to evict the tenant for six months after the end of the COVID-19 emergency declaration and not to raise the rent for one year after the declaration ends.

Citizenship documentation will not be requested from any renters or property owners.

Once the program opens, residents can apply at https://211la.org/lacounty/rentrelief or by calling 211 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A lottery of eligible applicants will be held at the end of the application period.

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