Who Qualifies | How to Apply | Area Median Income 

Facing a housing crisis? The Long Beach Renter Aid Program is here to help.

This program provides short-term financial assistance to low-income renters in Long Beach who are at risk of losing their homes, helping individuals and families stay housed and avoid homelessness.

With approximately $1.7 million in available rental support, payments are made directly to landlords or utility companies to ensure fast, reliable relief.

Participants may also be connected to essential services like food assistance, healthcare and other basic needs, offering support beyond just rent.

             Who Qualifies

The Long Beach Renter Aid Program is open to households that meet all of the following criteria: 

• Residency: Live in rental housing in Long Beach (including people temporarily staying in another housing arrangement)
• Income: Have a household income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), AND
• Housing Instability: Have experienced an emergency or unexpected event within the past 12 months that places them at risk of losing housing and cannot be resolved without financial assistance.

Examples of  qualifying emergencies include (but not limited to):

• Action by landlord or property management
• Unlawful detainer (eviction lawsuit)
• Threat of displacement or housing instability
• Loss of income or delay in receiving income or public benefits
• Loss or delay of public income benefits
• Medical emergency
• Change of household composition (birth, death, loss of income earner)
• Natural disaster
• Sudden increase in critical expenses
• Other emergency that threatens housing stability

Priority Considerations

Due to limited funding, applications are prioritized based on the severity and immediacy of housing need. Priority is generally given to households that:

• Are currently behind on rent (rental arrears)
• Include adults age 55 and older
• Have received an eviction notice or are facing imminent legal eviction proceedings (e.g., eviction letters vs. 3-day notice vs. pay-or-quit notice)
• Are at immediate risk or imminent risk of homelessness
• Are experiencing a housing emergency due to the loss of federal benefits, loss of a federal housing program, federal policy changes or immigration enforcement actions.

             How to Apply

Online Application is now closed. 

Thank you for your interest in the Long Beach Renter Aid Program. The application period and drop-in locations are now closed. Applications are currently being processed.

Applicants that applied will recieve an update by Friday, May 15, 2026. 

The application form will reopen on Friday, June 5, 2026 through  Friday, June 12, 2026.

Please note, if an applicant is not selected to proceed – applicants will be allowed to reapply the next month.

                   Area Median Income (AMI)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is required by law to establish income limits that determine eligibility for HUD-assisted housing programs, including rental assistance programs administered by the City of Long Beach.

PMSA: Los Angeles – Long Beach, California
FY 2026 Income Limits
Effective April 15, 2025