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CA eviction moratorium extended through Sept. 30; tenant & landlord financial assistance available

San Luis Obispo County Government
The rent relief program offers to cover up to 100% of past due rent and utilities for eligible tenants and landlords, with coverage of past due payments dating back to April 1, 2020

Following the state’s recent decision to extend its COVID-19 eviction moratorium through Sept. 30, San Luis Obispo County officials are encouraging both landlords and renters who have fallen behind on their bills to seek financial assistance.

As the area is recovering from economic hardships caused by the pandemic, SLO County officials said they have about $18 million in federal and state assistance available to renters and landlords.

Elizabeth Pauschek with the Salvation Army said the rent relief program will cover 100% of past due rent and utilities for eligible tenants and landlords, with coverage of past due payments dating back to April 1, 2020.

“I’ve seen several people who have called and said, ‘ I got everything paid off, I’m clear,’ and they had such relief in their voices," Pauschek said. " You could just see it was a good fresh start.”

Applications are being accepted now until September 30. Paushek said financial help isn’t on a first-come, first served basis, but rather a priority system based on the most need.

“If a family of four is making under $48,000 a year in SLO County, their application will be accepted before a family of four that is making 50% of the area median income, which would be about $77,000,” Paushek said. 

For those applying, it is a lengthy process. Applicants can apply online and seek assistance from the Five Cities Homeless Coalition, United Way and the Salvation Army.

“We can do as much or as little as the individual or the family needs, in terms of how difficult they are finding the application,” Paushek said.

Once submitted, Paushek said receiving the financial payout takes time, and warns people not to get too anxious during the wait process.

“It’s not a ten-day wait and you’re done," Paushek said. " It can be 30 days, it could be even longer.”

Paushek said immigration status will be kept private and applicants will not need to show any proof of citizenship.

This financial assistance will also not impact any other programs applicants may be receiving financial help from, such as the department of social services.

Landlords and tenants can apply for financial relief by clicking here.

Angel Russell is a former KCBX News reporter who started her career in journalism as a reporter and producer for KREX on Colorado's Western Slope; she later moved to the Central Coast to work for KSBY as weekend anchor and weekday reporter. She holds a BA in journalism from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, and playing guitar and piano.
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