SCRHA Legislative Update - August 26
County of San Diego Announces Rental Assistance for Small Landlords & 2nd Round of Emergency Assistance
Rental Assistance for Small Landlords (RASL): Starting September 1, 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.
ERAP Term 2: Term 2 of the Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program is now open. It will provide 100% of past due rental arrears from April 2020-present, 100% prospective rent assistance, and 100% utility assistance. The program will now be able to assist tenants who moved out of the unit and can assist current and previous landlords.
Security Deposit Assistance Program (SDAP): Beginning September 3, 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.
10% Anti-Price Gouging Rules in Effect
Limitations on rent increases and newly set rents are in place Statewide due to the "energy shortage." The 10% limitation applies to properties exempt from statewide rent caps and to properties that are vacant and being advertised for rent. The rules are set to expire on August 29, 2021. However, these declarations are often extended with little to no public notice.