Get help with rent and bills If you already receive housing benefit but you’re still struggling to pay or facing rent arrears, you can apply for a discretionary housing payment. You will need to contact your local council. If you need help paying your utility bills you can contact Turn2Us, for help finding a grant.

How many Californians are behind on rent?

758,000 California households
About 758,000 California households are behind on rent, with the amount owed averaging $4,700, according to research by PolicyLink and the USC Equity Research Institute.

What is back rent?

Back Rent means that portion of Rent owed by an Affected Tenant that remains unpaid upon expiration of the Moratorium Period.

Who is liable for rent arrears?

You’re only responsible for paying rent from the date your tenancy started. You don’t need to pay arrears owed by the tenant before you. If you took over someone else’s tenancy – known as ‘assignment’ or ‘succession’ – you might be responsible for the previous tenant’s rent arrears in some cases.

Are there any government programs to help pay rent?

As well as offering grants that help pay rent, the government Rental Coupon Plan also helps to increase the access to affordable housing choices by allowing families to choose independently owned rental home. More. USDA Rural Development provides rental assistance for rural families that are struggling, vouchers, and affordable housing.

Why do we need to help people pay their rent?

Each system is focused on offering financial assistance to help pay a portion of the rent that is due in an attempt to reduce homelessness in the community to short term. The goal is to provide temporary rental assistance to low to moderate income renters.

How does the emergency rental assistance program help?

COVID-19 has exacerbated an affordable housing crisis that predated the pandemic and that has exacerbated deep disparities that threaten the strength of an economic recovery that must work for everyone. To meet this need, the Emergency Rental Assistance program makes funding available to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities.

Where can I get help with renting If I have benefits?

Not all landlords accept tenants who get benefits. Check if your local council has a list of landlords and letting agencies who rent to people getting Housing Benefit. You can get contact details for your local council on GOV.UK. You might be able to get other benefits to help with your renting costs if you’re on a low income.