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The City of Santa Ana recognizes the ongoing financial hardships many residents face due to a shortage of affordable housing, rent burdens, and the lasting economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the City has established the Eviction Prevention Program to provide emergency rental assistance and supportive services to low-income households in Santa Ana who have been directly or indirectly impacted by COVID-19 and have received an eviction notice due to non-payment of rent.

Eligible low-income renters in Santa Ana who have received an eviction notice due to non-payment of rent may apply for assistance with rental arrears and certain housing stability services. Charges for any utilities included in the rental price are eligible for inclusion in rental arrears. However, the City of Santa Ana does not cover separately billed utilities, home energy costs, or prospective rental payments.

Overview

Santa Ana low-income renters impacted directly or indirectly by COVID-19 who have received an eviction notice due to non-payment of rent may apply for assistance to help bring them current on past-due rent. This program provides a one-time payment to landlords to cover rental arrears, supporting households in avoiding eviction and promoting housing stability during a time of financial hardship.

The City of Santa Ana has partnered with Families Forward, a local nonprofit organization, to review applications and determine eligibility for assistance. Applications must be complete, including all required documentation, before they can be submitted.

Rent payments will be made directly to landlords on behalf of eligible households, and documentation of payments will be provided to both the tenant and the landlord. The goal of this program is to prevent households from being evicted and to support a pathway toward housing stability.

Program Eligibility

Eligible households consist of one (1) or more individuals who are obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling with an address in the City of Santa Ana. For a tenant to be considered an eligible household, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

• Household income is 80 percent or less of Area Median Income HUD FY 2024 Income Limits. (see table above)
• Household has qualified for unemployment or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship  due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic. Complete Declaration of Financial Hardship via Neighborly application.
• Household resides in the City of Santa Ana with a lease agreement or sublease (a rental agreement between a primary tenant acting as a lessor and a secondary tenant acting as lessee) with an address in the City.
• Household has received a written eviction notice for non-payment of rent.

What You Will Need:

To apply, you will need:

• Picture I.D. for all adults in the household over the age of 18.
• A copy of your lease or other documentation of rent and residency.
• A copy of your rental ledger / Notice to Pay Rent or Quit.
• Proof of income (such as pay stubs or tax returns) or an attestation of financial hardship.

Apply Here: