Contra Costa County tenants and landlords impacted by COVID-19 can apply for assistance from the COVID-19 rent relief program. Contra Costa County’s allocation, more than $75 million, of federal emergency rental assistance program funds resulted from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which allocated $2.6 billion to Californians in need of rental relief.

“This funding for COVID-19 relief cannot come any sooner to help provide the hardest hit individuals and families in Contra Costa with financial assistance with rent and utilities payments, and help them gain back financial and housing stability,” said Diane Burgis, county board chair and supervisor.

The program assists income-qualified renters impacted by COVID-19 who need help to pay for rent or utilities. Eligible household income may not exceed 80 percent of the local median income.

Eligible renters whose landlords do not participate in the program can still receive 25 percent of unpaid rent accrued between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. Eligible renters can also receive future rent assistance equal to 25 percent of monthly rent. The program also provides up to 80 percent rent reimbursement to landlords for unpaid rent accrued between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.