Housing Retention Program

If you’re at risk of losing housing due to non-payment of rent or any other fees owed to your landlord, you can apply for grants if you meet eligibility criteria. Submitting an application does not guarantee financial assistance. Application approval requires that each program requirement be met and supporting verifiable documentation is provided.

Standard Housing Grant eligibility requirements

Note: These eligibility requirements are for the ongoing housing retention assistance program. 

Approved households can receive up to $8,000 grant.

Read the eligibility criteria. If you feel you meet them and wish to apply for rental assistance, please contact:

The Eviction Defense Center
(510) 452-4541

Leave a message stating:

• Your name
• Your phone number
• That you are a Berkeley resident seeking assistance.

An EDC staff member will return your call as soon as possible to determine your eligibility.

To be eligible:

• The applicant(s) must be Berkeley residents or Berkeley S+C tenants who are at imminent risk of losing their permanent housing.
• Income must be verified by documentation from a third party. 
• Household requesting assistance must have a signed rental agreement. If not, lease holder must submit copy of rental agreement and documentation verifying applicant’s tenancy and monthly rent.
• Monthly income must support monthly expenses.
• Grant must prevent an eviction.
• Households must meet one or more of the following requirements and provide supporting documentation verifying:
  • Decrease in income 
  • Unexpected medical and/or disability expenses paid without credit
  • Fleeing domestic violence
  • Work-related vehicle expense (vehicle is required for the job supporting documentation from employer may be required) 
  • Other unexpected significant expenses, which may be considered eligible
• Current Monthly rent must comply with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standard of Rent Reasonableness.

Documentation needed for Application

1. Completed Application 
2. Picture ID for all household members older than 18
3. Verification of Current Income for all income included in the budget sheet
4. A dated Notice of Eviction from landlord stating amount owned for back rent - a 3-day notice of eviction is recommended; the Notice of Eviction must be dated in the current month
5. Rental Agreement or Lease - if applicant is not on the lease, the lease holder must submit a signed dated letter indicating applicant’s portion of the rent and rent due; If Section 8 Housing or Shelter Plus Care, copy of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Agreement.
6. W-9 Form (Tax I.D.) signed by landlord
7. Proof of Building Ownership is needed if not a BHA property
8. Documentation showing decrease in income, unexpected medical/disability expense, fleeing domestic violence, or work-related vehicle expense

You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your application for financial assistance.