Pandemic Rental Assistance
The Ventura County Pandemic Rental Assistance (VCPRA) program may provide temporary rental assistance for Ventura County residents who:
- Owe past-due rent because they have experienced a particular loss due to COVID-19;
- Have very low incomes;
- Meet all program criteria; and
- Ensure a complete application.
Funding issued is based on rental unit size, $1,500 for a studio/1-bedroom and $2,500 for a 2-bedroom or larger, for a maximum of two months of rent owed. While the funding may not fully cover monthly rent, it is intended to reduce amounts owed. Paper checks will be mailed directly to landlords/property managers.
Below are links to specific program details on this page, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for tenants and landlords/property managers.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant/tenant is a Ventura County resident
- Applicant’s/tenant’s income was impacted due to COVID-19 (i.e., loss of employment, loss of work hours, inability to work due to child care or family/elder care needs, and/or substantial medical costs)
- Applicant’s/tenant’s annual household income is less than 80% Area Median Income (AMI) with priority on annual household income of less than 50% AMI (see chart below)
- Applicant/tenant’s name is on the Rental/Lease Agreement
- Applicant/tenant is unable to pay rent that is past due
- Only one tenant per household may apply; 2+ roommates who are not part of the same household may apply
Maximum Annual Household Gross Income | Persons in Applicant’s/Tenant’s Household | |||||||
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
Very Low Income (up to 50% AMI) | $39,550 | $45,200 | $50,850 | $56,450 | $61,000 | $65,500 | $70,000 | $74,550 |
Low Income (51-80% AMI) | $63,250 | $72,300 | $81,350 | $90,350 | $97,600 | $104,850 | $112,050 | $119,300 |
Source: https://www.ahacv.org/income_limits.shtml |
How to Apply
- Applicant/Tenant: Complete the online application. This should take about 15 minutes and should ideally be completed in one session.You will need to …
- Answer all mandatory questions
- Upload scan of proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, state identification card, military ID, passport, or other form of government-issued identification)
- Provide your email address
- Provide the email address of the person to whom you pay rent
- Provide further documentation if requested during program audits
- Landlord/Property Manager: Once the applicant/tenant submits the application, you will receive an email with a request to do the following through a provided link:
- Upload the Rental/Lease Agreement (must have applicant’s name on it)
- Attest that the applicant owes rent
- Provide your Tax ID or last four digits of Social Security Number
Applicants/tenants will receive an email regarding their application status and may come back to the website to check on their status.
Please allow up to 5 weeks for processing.
Online applications will be accepted between
June 17, 2020 – July 1, 2020.
APPLY HERE BEGINNING JUNE 17
Note: VCPRA is federally funded by the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and prioritizes rental assistance for those with very low incomes who have been unable to pay rent due to the impacts of COVID-19. The federal government does not list CRF assistance as a public benefit for the purposes of determining public charge. However, the federal government has not issued specific guidance related to this assistance. If you have questions about how receiving this assistance could potentially affect your immigration status, please consult an immigration attorney. More information, including a list of free and low-cost immigration services providers, is available in the Guide for Immigrant Californians.
FAQs for Tenants
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
- Ventura County resident
- Income was impacted due to COVID-19
- Low-income of less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) with priority given to very low-income households with an annual income less than 50% AMI
- Applicant’s name is on the Rental/Lease Agreement
- Inability to pay rent that is past due
Applicants must provide the following documentation:
- Copy of government-issued identification
During program audits, some applicants may be asked to provide the following:
- Proof of Ventura County Residency
- Rental Agreement/Landlord Attestation
- Utility bills
- Notice of Action verifying receiving benefits
- COVID-19 Impact
- Paystubs or bank statements showing loss or reduction of income
- Notice of school or work closure
- Proof of medical care need or expenses
- Proof of Income
- Paystubs, bank statements
- Tax return
- Benefits Award Letter including but not limited to unemployment insurance benefits; social security; disability; pension; retirement; veteran’s benefits
FAQs for Landlords/Property Managers
The landlord will be asked to upload a copy of the Rental/Lease Agreement and submit an attestation online indicating rent is owed to you and including the following information:
- Rental address
- Monthly rental agreement rates
- Names of tenants residing in the unit
- Number of bedrooms
- To whom the check is payable with address for mailing
- Your Tax ID or last four digits of SSN
- Certification of providing true and correct information
- Can this program help my tenant again if this happens?
- Are tenants responsible for the remaining balance?
- If I accept rental funds from the County, does that waive my right to file an eviction for the remaining balance owed or to file an eviction in the future?
The VCPRA program offers one-time assistance, serving as bridge funding for residential rent. While the funding may not fully cover monthly rent, it will assist in reducing amounts owed. Tenants are responsible for any rental arrears owed after receipt of payment is applied. We would suggest you seek the advice of a legal representative.