Local Residents Can Still Apply For Additional Rental Assistance

Beginning today, Pasadena renters and landlords can apply for additional rental assistance through a state program that city officials say will allow checks to get to qualified applicants quicker.

Those who qualify can apply at HousingIsKey.com or by calling (833) 687-0967. People who already applied for the program will be contacted with instructions for next steps. The application period opened at 7 a.m.

Although Pasadena’s rent moratorium continues, the program does not include rent forgiveness and tenants will have up to six to pay back that money.

The program may cover renters’ unpaid rent dating back to April 1, 2020, as well as future payments. The program also has funding available for owed utility payments and may cover 100% of owed payments for a total of 12 months, including for months dating back to April 1, 2020.

Income-eligible renters are qualified regardless of immigration status if they have been impacted by COVID-19 and have unpaid rent. The state will determine if the applicant is eligible after they apply.

California has committed $5.2 billion in rental relief funds for California residents.

“We’ve paid out nearly $426 million across the state. These payments are increasing — only a few weeks ago we were paying about $20 million a week. We’re up to $50 million a week, and we know with this partnership there will be an incredible acceleration in the number of not only applicants from the city, but also payments,” said Gustavo Velasquez, director of the state Department of Housing and Community Development and administrator of the state COVID-19 Rent Relief Program.