Applications available for Placer renters who need help paying rent due to COVID-19

Placer County is accepting applications for emergency rental assistance through Friday, April 30, at RentHelpPlacer.com. Income-eligible households who are unable to pay rent and utilities because of COVID-19 are encouraged to apply. The Rent Help Placer program provides financial assistance to qualifying residents to help prevent housing instability or potential eviction due to COVID-19. Households may receive financial assistance for unpaid rent or utilities dating to March 2020. Additional assistance for current or future rent or utility bills may also be available. Reapplication is required if further financial assistance is needed. The program will provide direct payments to landlords and utility providers. "Many residents in Placer County are struggling to catch up with either unpaid rent or utilities," said Amanda Sharp, deputy director for Placer County Health and Human Services. "This program can help them improve their living circumstances, stabilize their housing and increase their peace of mind." To be eligible, income must be at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income - from $48,350 to $91,150 for a household between one and eight people. Applicants who have been unemployed for 90 or more days, or who are at or below 50 percent of the Placer County AMI ($30,250-$57,000 for a household between one and eight) will be given priority. Applicants also must show they have lost income or are qualified for unemployment benefits, have incurred significant costs or experienced a financial hardship, or are at risk of housing instability or eviction because of COVID-19. Landlords are encouraged to promote the program and assist tenants in the application process. Visit RentHelpPlacer.com to check eligibility, review the required application items and apply. Residents may also call 211 Placer or 833-342-5211. Once an application has been processed, the landlord and renter will be notified about the application status and next steps.