TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to report back to the City Council on how Long Beach households will be able to utilize the L.A. County Countywide Emergency Rental Assistance Program when it is implemented, and assess the feasibility of utilizing additional federal, state and private funding sources to leverage for additional Long Beach families in financial need to be able to obtain emergency rental assistance during the COVID-19 crisis.
DISCUSSION
The COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating economic impact on many residents in Long Beach. The City Council has adopted several measures previously to address many of the financial burdens caused by this crisis, including a tenant eviction moratorium that prohibits tenants from being evicted if they are unable to pay rent due to the COVID-19 crisis, and a suspension of utility shutoffs. However, renters will still need to pay back rent they owe after the crisis is over, creating an additional economic burden for Long Beach households.
According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, nearly one third of tenants nationwide were unable to pay this month’s rent by April 5th, because of the financial impacts from the crisis. Nearly 60% of Long Beach households are renters. As a result, many property owners have also lost significant rental income that is needed to pay their mortgages, make necessary building repairs and support their families, as well. The City Council has adopted additional measures to help with these impacts, including suspending some fees that property owners pay to the City, and working to connect property owners with state and federal foreclosure protection programs.
On April 14, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis to implement a Countywide Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program would provide up to $1,000 per month for three months for renters who have lost income due to the coronav...
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