Opinion: Californians Need Extended Rent Relief

After the state allowed its pandemic rent relief program to lapse, Paula Nazario argues that “California must invest some of its budget surplus in reopening the program and ensuring that communities of color have the support needed to apply successfully.”

Nazario recounts her own experience applying for the City of Los Angeles Emergency Renters Assistance Program during the pandemic, when despite their best efforts, her family struggled to keep up with rent payments. Nazario notes that many households had a hard time understanding the program’s eligibility requirements and application process and successfully accessing aid. “A recent report from the Latino Policy and Politics Initiative at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that nearly 53% of California’s distressed tenants never applied for rental relief — more than in other states — and only 16% received aid.”

When the state ended the program in March of this year, some tenant groups sued, claiming that “the state unlawfully cut off applicants who were awaiting funds.” Nazario asserts that extending eviction protections until June 30 isn’t enough. According to Nazario, “State leaders must reopen the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and ensure outreach to families of color” to protect families who “were shut out of the process.”