About the program

San Mateo County is providing Emergency Rental Assistance through the California State Rent Relief Program / Housing is Key. Please submit your CA COVID-19 Rent Relief application before the March 31st deadline due to the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program application portal closing on April 1st. Pending applications will continue to be reviewed and processed after that time.

Income-eligible applicants may qualify regardless of immigration status and will not be required to show proof of citizenship.

Please see information below or located on the Outreach Resources page to determine if you are eligible, how to apply, and the amount of relief that can be given. Eligible renters and property owners may apply for assistance with utilities in addition to rental assistance.

Outreach Resources

Funded Partners

 

Who can apply?

Property owners who have income-eligible renters experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19 with past due rent. 

Renters who have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19, have past due rent or utilities, and have a household income that is not more than 80% of the area median income.
 

How much relief will I get?

Property owners, who participate in the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program, can get reimbursed for an eligible renter's unpaid rent dating back to April 1, 2020.

Eligible renters whose landlords choose not to participate in the program may apply on their own and receive assistance for unpaid rent dating back to April 1, 2020.

Eligible renters can receive financial assistance for their upcoming monthly rent and may also receive assistance for unpaid utility payments dating back to April 1, 2020, or for future utility payments, which will both be compensated at 100% of cost (Limited to a total of 12 months and paid directly to the utility provider).
 

How do I apply?

To check eligibility requirements, try one of the three options below:

• Visit HousingIsKey.com
• Call 833-430-2122, toll free
• Text: RENT to 211-211

If you are ready to fill out your application, click on this link: Application for Assistance. You will be directed to the California COVID-19 Rent Relief website.
 

Need help with the application?

The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Local Partner Network can provide technical assistance to interested applicants (tenants and landlords). Please contact the agency that serves the area in which you reside in or have property in.