County Adds Support for Struggling Oceanside Renters, Landlords

OCEANSIDE, CA — San Diego County today announced two new programs that may help Oceanside tenants and landlords that have experienced negative economic impacts resulting from the pandemic.

The County’s Housing and Community Development Services is rolling out two new initiatives aimed at assisting landlords and tenants who have struggled financially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Both efforts are part of the County’s existing Emergency Rent and Utilities Assistance Program, which supports low-income renters impacted by the pandemic.

Rental Assistance for Small Landlords (RASL)

Starting September 1st, 2021, The Rental Assistance for Small Landlords (RASL) will open for applications. This program aims to help small landlords that have not been able to access federal, state, or local financial assistance for loss of rental income. RASL is available to landlords that operate less than 5 rental units and have rental units that have at least 3 months of rental arrears. The County will compensate rental arrears accumulated from April 2020, for a maximum award amount of $15,000 per unit. RASL can also assist landlords that have been left with unpaid rent by former tenants during this period.

The first program will provide payments to landlords with rental properties whose tenants are late on their rent. The Rental Assistance for Small Landlord Program will compensate landlords or property owners for overdue rent payments accumulated since April 2020.
Recipients must meet several criteria, including the following:

• The property must be located in San Diego County and the owner must be a county resident
• The landlord must own no more than five rental units
• Tenants in eligible units must be at least three months past due on their rent

The County will pay benefits directly to the landlord and applications will be accepted until funding runs out. The application period opens Sept. 1.

Security Deposit Assistance Program (SDAP)

Beginning September 3rd, 2021, residents of San Diego County can apply for the Security Deposit Assistance Program (SDAP). Eligible households must fall at or below 120 percent Area Median Income (AMI). Eligible households that are relocating and are in need of security deposit assistance may be awarded up to two months' rent, for a maximum award amount of $7000.
For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for both programs, please visit www.SDHCD.org

The second initiative is aimed at making it easier for San Diego renters to come up with security deposits when moving to a new rental unit. Through the Security Deposit Assistance Program, eligible applicants can receive security deposit assistance, limited to two months’ rent, up to $7,000.

To qualify, the applicant must meet certain income limits and must sign a six-months or longer lease for the unit they plan to rent. Landlord participation is a requirement and payments will be made directly to the property owner.

The application period for security deposit assistance opens Sept. 3. The programs lessen housing cost burdens and maintain housing stability for low-income renters and landlords who have faced financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Emergency Rent and Utilities Assistance

The ERAP initiative provides assistance with rent, utilities and other costs such as internet service and application fees. The program is funded by federal and state grants and the County has successfully awarded $107 million to more than 12,000 households. The County recently received additional funding from both the federal and state government, allowing previous recipients to request additional assistance and expanding the pool of eligible applicants.
For more information, visit www.SDHCD.org, or call (858) 694-4801.

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