HRC of Monterey County gives emergency rent and security deposits

The Housing Resource Center of Monterey County (HRC) can make emergency rent payments or interest-free security deposit loans for lower income tenants facing financial hardship.

Emergency Rent Payment Program

It is the primary goal of the case managers at HRC to help you stay in your current rental home. Of course, your home needs to be permanently affordable for this to be possible. If you can normally afford your current rent but just ran into some bad luck that caused unexpected expenses, then you might be able to get help to stay put.

HRC will evaluate your current rental situation to determine whether it is appropriate for your current needs. They will pay attention to the existing lease term as well as calculate the portion of your current household income that you are spending on rent.

If it is deemed appropriate for you to remain in your current home, and you meet the eligibility requirements, then you could receive cash payments made directly to your landlord. By doing so, HRC can help you avoid becoming evicted from your home. Their financial support could cover your back rent so that you are brought back up to current status again.

Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program

If your landlord has already evicted you, then the priority will change. HRC staff will seek options to make sure your family is able to find an appropriate home as quickly as possible.

The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) is administered by HRC. It provides payments for low income households who need help returning to suitable housing.

To be eligible for this assistance, you must be approved by one of the partner agencies (CCHAS, Housing Resource Center, Shelter Outreach Plus, YWCA). A case manager will accept your application and interview you to determine if you qualify for help getting back into a rental home of your own.

Security Deposit Guarantee

Would you like to be able to spread your security deposit out over 12 months? HRC provides a special security deposit loan program where eligible tenants pay zero interest.

Instead of paying the security deposit directly, HRC negotiates an agreement using a letter of credit that provides a guarantee to your landlord. If you fail to repay the loan to HRC, then your landlord would still be reimbursed the full value of the security deposit for purposes of settling any outstanding charges resulting from your lease.

To qualify, your total household income cannot exceed 80% of the median income for Monterey County. You must also show that you will be able to afford your monthly rent and all utilities if HRC provides you with a security deposit loan. HRC does allow for you to receive other assistance, such as utility credits if it means you would be able to afford the rent.

For more information, call HRC at 831-424-9186 or visit them online.