Monday, February 9, 2026

L.A. County Rent Relief Program Reopens Monday, Now Lets Tenants Apply Directly

Eaton Fire survivors and residents facing emergency hardship can seek grants of up to $15,000 for past-due rent

Tenants who owe back rent because of the Eaton Fire or other emergency financial hardships can begin applying directly to Los Angeles County’s Emergency Rent Relief Program on Monday — a change from the program’s first round, when only landlords could submit applications.

The expansion, announced by the county last week, opens a path for displaced Altadena residents and others across L.A. County who have fallen behind on rent, mortgage payments, or utility costs. The program provides grants of up to $15,000 per rental unit, covering up to six months of debt. Applications open at 9 a.m. Monday at LACountyRentRelief.com and close March 11 at 4:59 p.m.

The program is administered by the county Department of Consumer and Business Affairs in partnership with The Center by Lendistry and is directed by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, according to county press releases. Earlier county announcements described more than $23 million in available funding; more recent reports in the Pasadena Star-News and other outlets have described the program as totaling $30 million.

During Round 1, which closed January 23, the county accepted applications only from landlords and property owners experiencing unpaid rent due to emergency-related hardship. The county received 4,644 applications during that round, according to a county news release.

“For families still recovering from the Eaton Fire, housing stability is essential to getting back on their feet,” 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in the county release. “Reopening the Emergency Rent Relief Program and allowing tenants to apply directly removes unnecessary barriers and helps ensure help reaches those who need it most.”

Barger, whose district includes Altadena, encouraged Eaton Fire survivors and other eligible residents to apply as soon as the program opens Monday, according to the release.

There is a requirement: although tenants can now initiate the application, landlords must also complete their own portion. An application will not be considered complete until both parties have submitted their required information, according to the program’s FAQ page on the county website.

All grant payments go to landlords or property owners, who then apply the funds to cover tenants’ back rent or utility costs, according to the county. Tenants are notified when a payment is issued and told the time period it covers.

Eligible applicants include tenants impacted by the January 7, 2025, Eaton and Palisades fires — including those who lost jobs because their workplace was destroyed or whose hours were reduced — as well as displaced homeowners now renting who have exhausted FEMA or insurance support, and tenants facing sudden income loss due to federal immigration enforcement, according to the county website and news release.

“The urgent need for housing stability and to keep people housed is the reason behind LA County’s Emergency Rent Relief program,” 2nd District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell said in a prepared statement.

3rd District Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who co-authored the motion creating the program with Board Chair Hilda L. Solis, said in a prepared statement that allowing tenants to apply directly was her intent from the start.

“Access to relief should not depend on who initiates the application,” Horvath said. “Allowing tenants to apply directly helps remove barriers and ensures assistance reaches families who need it most.”

The program prioritizes small landlords with four or fewer units and properties in areas designated as highest need through the county’s Equity Explorer tool. Property owners or tenant households with income at or below 80% of the L.A. County Area Median Income also receive priority, according to the program website.

Immigration status is not required for eligibility, according to the county.

The county received 4,644 applications in Round 1.

Applicants who began but did not complete a Round 1 application can log in and resume where they left off, according to the program FAQ. The application is available in multiple languages, and free technical assistance is available by phone at (877) 849-0770 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also reach the county Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222 for tenant protections, counseling, and referrals.