The California Apartment Association (CAA) will hold two webinars today to help rental housing providers navigate the state’s Rental Assistance Payment Program. CAA and housing agency staff will provide an overview of the program and application process during the webinars being held at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Webinar presenters will address questions including:

• How does the state program relate to local programs?
• How does the landlord determine whether to apply to the state or a local program?
• Which households and landlords are eligible for the state program?
• What are the programs’ funding priorities?
• Can both the landlord and the resident apply?
• Can the landlord apply on behalf of former residents who still owe rent?
• Which information must be provided by the landlord and resident?
• Does the landlord have to accept the 80 percent payment and waive the remainder?
• Will the landlord be paid directly or does the money go to the resident?
• What if the tenant (or the landlord) refuses to participate?

The application process for the Rental Assistance Payment Program will open by March 15, 2021. The program, administered by the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, will pay landlords 80 percent of the past due rent owed by eligible households.