Development Services

The Long Beach Emergency Rental Assistance Program (LB-ERAP) is designed to assist landlords and income-eligible tenants (renters) who have experienced financial loss or hardship due to COVID-19 through rental assistance.

LB-ERAP is part of the Long Beach Recovery Act. The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provides the funding to support the program, which is designed to implement the tenant protection laws enacted by the State of California (SB 91). The program is established to provide assistance exclusively to landlords and tenants in Long Beach and is separate from the State’s rental assistance program. Applicants should not apply to the State program if the unit for which they are seeking assistance is located in the City.

LB-ERAP will help income-eligible tenants pay rent and utilities, both for past due bills and future payments. The program will prioritize assisting lower-income tenants who have been unemployed for 90 days or more and who are at risk of housing instability.

This is the application portal for both tenants and landlords. New applicants must register first to create a login before proceeding to the application. Returning applicants can simply login using their name/password.

LB-ERAP Information & Support: 833-358-5372

Information and numbers for local community organizations that are available to provide assistance can be found further below.

• Landlords who own or manage at least one residential rental unit in the City of Long Beach.
• Tenants (renters) who rent a residential unit or a room in the City of Long Beach.

Which Jurisdiction Do I Apply To? 

1. Determine your eligibility as a landlord or tenant
2. Gather the necessary paperwork or documents needed for your application
3. Visit this website periodically for the latest program information and updates

Am I Eligible?       

If you are a landlord who has one or more eligible tenants, you can apply to get reimbursed for 80% of each eligible tenant’s unpaid rent between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, if you agree to waive the remaining 20% of unpaid rent for that specific time period.

Requirements include:

1. All payments must be used to satisfy a tenant’s unpaid rent for the period between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.
2. If you are applying on behalf of your tenant, they must also provide necessary documentation, and they must sign the application for assistance.
3. Your tenant’s household income must be at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). This program will prioritize assisting tenants with household income at or below 50% of AMI.
   
   

• Valid government ID with photograph or business license
• Proof of ownership of the property (mortgage statement or tax bill) or documentation you have the authority to act on the owner’s behalf.
• Copies of lease or rental agreements, or other documentation reflecting tenant’s name, residence address, and monthly amount due.
• IRS Form W-9, 1040 NR, or 1040 NR-EZ

Am I Eligible?     

If one or more individuals in your household meet all of the following program criteria, you are eligible to apply:

1. Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). The program will prioritize households with income below 50% of AMI.
   
   

   Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
   50% AMI Limit	$39,450	$45,050	$50,700	$56,300	$60,850	$65,350	$69,850	$74,350
   80% AMI Limit	$63,100	$72,100	$81,100	$90,100	$97,350	$104,550	$111,750	$118,950

   
   
2. Have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19. The program will prioritize applicants who have been unemployed for 90 days or more.
3. Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which may include:
   
   
   • a past-due utility or rent notice or eviction notice;
   • unsafe or unhealthy living conditions; or,
   • any other evidence of such risk, as determined by the program

Applicants will not be asked about their citizenship, nor will they be required to show proof of citizenship.

The program will pay for 80% of the past due rent from between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. Tenants may also apply for assistance with past due utility bills and apply to receive up to 25% of future rents for up to 3 months.

If you are an eligible tenant but your landlord chooses not to participate in LB-ERAP, you may apply on your own. LB-ERAP will pay you 25% of the unpaid rent from between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

The program will prioritize assisting households with past due rents.

• Eviction Moratoriums
• Tenant Protections
• COVID-19 (CoronaVirus) Daily Updates

You can also call the LB-ERAP Support Line at 833-358-5372 for application navigation support and to be directed to a Long Beach nonprofit organization that can help you fill out the application and guide you through the application submittal process.