Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) reopened online applications for the Sacramento Emergency Rental Assistance (SERA2) program beginning Tuesday, May 11. Applicants can
go to the Agency's website to apply. The SERA2 program helps low-income renters who have been unable to pay rent and utility payments due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords can apply for assistance on behalf of their tenants and tenants may also apply on their own behalf. There is no closing date to file applications.
The Agency launched the SERA2 program in February and accepted applications until March 19. Almost 13,000 applications were submitted and are currently being processed for rental assistance payments to eligible applicants. Agency officials advise that if you applied for rental assistance during this time frame, do not apply again. Applicants can check the status of their application
on the SHRA website using their original log in for access.
Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance contracts with SHRA to administer the program using federal and state funding that is specifically earmarked for emergency rental assistance. As part of their contract, SHRA is required to report back on required data on a quarterly basis.
To be eligible for the emergency rental assistance, applicants must be renting housing in the City or County of Sacramento; have household gross annual income at or below low-income limits ranging from $50,750 for a household of one to $95,700 for a household of 8; and must have at least one household member that is unemployed, or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19. Eligible applicants must also demonstrate a risk of being unhoused or housing instability. Applicants may use the funds for back rent and/or unpaid utility bills from April 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021. Families can also apply for prospective rent assistance through June 2021. Families that applied for the first phase of SERA last year and did not receive assistance
can apply again.
A new round of federal funding under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2020 is expected to
be awarded to Sacramento which will provide additional funding to help more families under the SERA2 program. More details are available
on the SHRA website.
