According to the National Equity Atlas, about 6.4 million households face rent debt in America. Zooming in, 807,000 of those households are in California of which over 37,000 households stem from Alameda County – the highest in the Bay Area.

The COVID-19 pandemic plays a significant role in impacting Alameda County residents, especially communities of color. There is hope and local leaders are building on Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP) to assist people in rent debt.

ERAP provides funds for income-eligible households to pay up to 15 months of rent and utilities. Landlords whose tenants are eligible for ERAP may also apply and small landlords with fewer than five rental units are especially encouraged to apply.

Alameda County Emergency Rental Assistance Program Dashboard. Statistics as of August 16, 2021.
Alameda County Emergency Rental Assistance Program Dashboard. Statistics as of August 16, 2021.

As of August 16, 2021, Alameda County ERAP has received 5,404 applications. Out of those applications, 827 are approved and 4,577 are being processed. The total amount of financial assistance requested is $100,136,361 with $12,474,300 approved. On average, each eligible household in Alameda County received $15,084 in financial assistance. These numbers do not reflect Fremont and Oakland.

Siliconeer provides resources for those who need assistance in rent.

State resource to check relief programs rental units qualify for: https://housing.ca.gov

Alameda County Residents (Fremont and Oakland have some exceptions – Scroll Down)

For Tenants

Eligibility

  • Residential tenant in Alameda County
  • Have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced financial hardship due to COVID–19.
  • Can show a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
  • Have a combined household income that is not more than 80% of the Area Median Income. The combined household counts anyone who shares a rental obligation of the unit.

Documents Needed

  • Government-issued photo I.D.
  • Proof of current pre-tax household income
  • Proof of loss of income due to COVID-19
  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of amount of rent and/or utility owed

For Landlords

Eligibility

  • Properties must be in Alameda County except for the cities of Oakland and Fremont.
  • All payments must be used to satisfy the renter’s unpaid rent for any period after March 13, 2020.
  • Your renters must take steps to verify that they meet eligibility requirements and sign the application.
  • Your renters have a combined household income that is not more than 80% AMI. The combined household counts anyone who shares a rental obligation of the unit.

Documents Needed

  • Proof of ownership, including one of the following:
    • Property Deed(s)
    • Mortgage Note(s)
    • Property Tax Statement
    • Copy of Property Insurance Statement
  • Lease or rental agreement reflecting renter’s name, residence address, and monthly rent due.
  • Signed and completed W-9.

Get more information and/or apply: https://www.ac-housingsecure.org

Fremont City Residents

For Tenants

Eligibility – Same as Alameda County

Documents Needed – Same as Alameda County for Tenants.

  • From Landlords
    • Copy of Lease Agreement
    • Documentation for rent owed
    • IRS Form W-9

Get more information and/or apply: https://fremont.gov/keepfremonthoused

Oakland City Residents

For Tenants

Eligibility – Same as Alameda County except:

  • Household income is at or below 30% AMI

Get more information: https://www.oaklandca.gov/resources/housing-resources-erap-emergency-rental-assistance

We understand these are very tough times for many tenants and small landlords around the area. There is an associated stigma for both renters and landlords. Our advice is to break that stigma and be upfront about your situation with landlords. We also encourage landlords to have some compassion and be understanding of the tenants’ current hardships.

Information is derived from links below each section.