Resources available for homeowners and tenants
State Assemblymember Mia Bonta [1] is starting the new year with a focus on combating the major housing shortage in California and specifically in our own area. Alameda County has issued permits for only 23% of the 16,516 new housing units needed in the coming years for families earning less than $100,000 a year, Bonta stated in her latest newsletter.
[2]The state has made sizable investments to grow affordable housing and respond to homelessness—investing $21 billion from 2018 to 2023—the number of unhoused residents has grown, largely due to the scarcity of affordable housing, Bonta stated.
“A statewide comparison shows that cities with the largest unhoused populations often have higher median rental prices and lower vacancy rates, indicating that housing prices, more than any other factor, are driving homelessness,” Bonta stated.
In 2023 alone, the state legislature passed 56 bills to rebuild the state’s housing market by cutting red tape, lowering the cost of building, increasing tenant protections, and keeping older homes on the market, she noted. For example, SB 4, which was signed into law in October, will allow churches and universities to build housing on their property, enabling faster development timelines and lower prices.
“My office is currently working with community groups to see how this strategy can be applied to other institutions with surplus land, including school districts, to unlock the potential of affordable workforce housing,” Bonta said.
Other housing laws that take effect this year include:
- SB 684 [4], which streamlines approval of up to 10 multi-family housing units in appropriately zoned vacant lots.
- SB 567 [5], which creates an accountable framework to enforce tenants protections and block misused no-fault just cause evictions.
- ACA 1 [6], a potential amendment to the California Constitution to make it easier for municipalities to enact affordable housing and infrastructure bonds.
“For those struggling with housing insecurity, I know that assistance cannot come soon enough,” Bonta said. “Please do not hesitate to contact my office at 510-286-1670 if you need service referrals.” She also offered the following resources for homeowners and tenants.
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Resources for homeowners
Homeowners who have struggled with missed mortgage payments, late property taxes, loan deferrals, partial claims, or other homeowner financial hardships, may qualify for assistance from the California Mortgage Relief Program [8].
The program is funded by the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeowner Assistance Fund. It provides up to $80,000 in assistance to eligible homeowners to help with:
- Past-due mortgage payments
- Missed property taxes
- Partial claims and loan deferrals taken during or after January 2020
- Reverse mortgage arrearages
This state program, which is operated by the CalHFA Homeowner Relief Corporation, has already provided millions of dollars in critical assistance to thousands of California homeowners struggling with financial hardships. Households may receive up to a maximum of $80,000 in total assistance. The program is free, and there is nothing to pay back.
For more information about the program, visit the website [8], call 1-888-840-2594, or email [email protected] [9].
Resources for tenants
These resources are for tenants who may require legal assistance:
- Centro Legal De La Raza [10]: Eviction defense representation, legal clinics, consultations, and resources. Visit the website, call 510-437-1554, or email [email protected] [11]. Spanish-speaking services are available.
- Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach [12]: Legal services, eviction defense, and foreclosure prevention. Visit the website or call 510-251-2846.
- East Bay Community Center [13]: Assistance with defense of eviction/unlawful detainer cases, Section 8/Housing Authority termination hearings, general counseling on tenants’ rights assistance. Also rental assistance program consultations and referrals, rent board hearings, and COVID-19 Resources for Renters on Eviction & Eviction Moratorium. Visit the website, call 510-548-4040 ext. 201, or email [email protected] [14].
- Eviction Defense Center [15]: Legal consultation and assistance at free or reduced/low-cost to Alameda County tenants facing eviction. Visit the website or call 510-452-4541. Spanish-speaking services available.
- Bay Area Legal Aid [16]: Assists low-income families facing eviction, displacement, or housing discrimination. Visit the website or call 510-663-4744 or 1-888-382-3405. Multiple language services are available.