Financial help to cover back rent, utility expenses remains available as State COVID-19 eviction moratorium winds down

HAYWARD, Calif., Sept. 28, 2021— Financial assistance is available to both income-eligible tenants and to landlords who need help with unpaid or future rent or utility expenses because of COVID-19 financial struggles, Hayward housing officials announced today.

The City of Hayward wants to make more tenants and landlords aware of the resources as the State of California’s COVID-19 emergency moratorium on evictions is scheduled to come to an end on Sept. 30.

Under a State rental relief program that will remain in place, residents in households earning 80 percent or less of the area median income are eligible to have all unpaid rent and utilities covered back to April 1, 2020.

The funding is available to both qualifying tenants and landlords.  Currently, there is no deadline by which to apply, but tenants and landlords are encouraged to do so as soon as possible as the funds will eventually will run out.  People interested in applying or in learning more are encouraged to visit www.ac-housingsecure.org.

The State eviction moratorium expiring on Sept. 30 includes protections for income-eligible tenants actively pursuing rental assistance—which is why it is important for tenants experiencing economic duress due to COVID-19 to apply for assistance now.

For more information on the State law and program, tenants and landlords are encouraged to visit www.housingiskey.org.

The City of Hayward offers additional resources to help prevent evictions, including free mediation services for tenants and landlords to negotiate repayment plans for unpaid rent due to COVID-19.  There is no income-eligibility requirement, and any Hayward tenant or landlord can apply by filling out this online form.  The form also can be accessed through the City’s COVID-19 Housing Programs webpage.

Hayward tenants and landlords with questions about their rights and responsibilities also can contact the City’s Housing Division at housing@hayward-ca.gov and (510) 583-4454.