Dear Friend --

The City today announced that application forms and program materials are available for a newly launched rental assistance program that will help provide relief to qualified tenants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was unanimously approved earlier this month by the City Council.

This emergency program will help provide much-needed relief to hundreds of Long Beach renters and their landlords as the pandemic continues to impact our City. We’re glad that we are able to provide direct support to some of those who need it most during this time.

The Long Beach CARES Emergency Rental Assistance Program (LB CARES), which is being administered by the City’s Development Services Department, will provide up to $1,000 per month of rental assistance payments for up to three months on behalf of qualifying Long Beach residents who have lost income due to COVID-19 and meet federal low-income requirements. The monthly assistance payments will be provided directly to property owners or landlords on behalf of qualifying residents and will be applicable to rent due during the eligible period from March 27, 2020, until the end of the City’s Safer at Home Order.

Eligible applicants will be required to submit documentation confirming substantive income losses caused by job layoffs, furloughs or reduction in hours or pay during the COVID-19 pandemic period beginning March 27. All documentation, including rental lease agreements, will be subject to verification.

Information and application materials (available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog), including eligibility requirements, are available on the program website: longbeach.gov/lbcares.

LB CARES is funded by a $3 million federal Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) and $2 million in re-appropriated HOME Investment Partnership Program funds.

Additionally, the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has contributed $300,000 in funding for the program.

For additional information or questions about LB CARES, call 562.570.3000 during business hours or email [email protected].

In a related effort, the City Council is also currently exploring various assistance options for property owners who have been impacted by COVID-19, including foreclosure relief, property tax refunds and the possibility of a revolving loan fund. In May, the City approved the extension of an emergency ordinance that halts evictions for residential and certain commercial tenants.

View the City’s Resources for Homeowners, Renters, and Landlords.

Thank you,