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.

Residents who have been financially impacted by Covid-19 may be eligible for up to $10,000 of rental assistance. Seniors who are 65 years of age or older may be eligible for up to $15,000 of rental assistance.

Residents who have suffered from a financial setback NOT related to Covid-19 can still apply for rental assistance and may be eligible for up to $10,000 of rental assistance. Residents must provide proof of the financial setback and documentation showing that rent can be paid going forward once the balance has been cleared.

Standard Housing Grant eligibility requirements

Note: These eligibility requirements are for the ongoing housing retention assistance program. For COVID-19 related hardship, see the COVID-19 housing retention grants section.

Approved households can receive up to $5,000 as a one-time 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 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/Rapid Rehousing 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

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.

COVID-19 Housing Retention Grant Eligibility Requirements

If you are experiencing hardships related to COVID-19, you may be eligible for up to an additional $10,000. This means some applicants who are eligible for both programs may qualify for up to $15,000 total assistance.

The criteria for these grants will remain in effect for 60 days after the shelter-in-place order is lifted, or longer if deemed necessary by the City of Berkeley.

Submitting an application does not guarantee financial assistance. Application approval requires that each program requirement be met and supporting verifiable documentation provided.

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 Berkeley resident seeking assistance.

An EDC staff member will return your call as soon as possible to determine your eligibility. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time. 

To be eligible for COVID-19 housing relief:

• The applicant(s) must be Berkeley residents or Berkeley Shelter Plus Care/Rapid Rehousing tenants who are at imminent risk of losing their permanent housing.
• Grant must prevent an eviction OR support housing related financial assistance (may include, but is not limited to rent, future rent, utilities, and needed health and safety related home repairs that, if left unaddressed, will jeopardize occupancy) due to loss of income during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Households requesting assistance must have a signed rental agreement or an alternate form of documentation verifying applicant’s tenancy and monthly rent.
• Households must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income. Income must be verified by documentation from a third party or an affidavit signed by the applicant stating current income during the COVID-19 emergency.

• Households must meet one or more of the following requirements and, where applicable, should 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)
  • COVID-19 related financial losses
  • Falling behind on rent for other factors to be approved at the discretion of the fund administrator

During the COVID-19 emergency, acceptable documentation may include an affidavit from the applicant.

Documentation needed for Application

1. Completed Application
2. Picture ID or Social Security Card 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 owed for back rent OR a letter of verification from landlord stating the amount owed for back rent (requirement waived for COVID-19 related assistance, applicant will provide certification of amount owed if verification from the landlord is not available)
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, if applicable. An affidavit signed by the applicant is an acceptable form of documentation during the COVID-19 emergency

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