Santa Monica Renter Aid
The Santa Monica Renter Aid program provides short-term financial assistance and housing case management services to Santa Monica renters who are at risk of losing their housing to keep individuals and families safely housed and out of homelessness.
This program is funded by the city of Santa Monica and operated in partnership with The People Concern.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for Santa Monica Renter Aid, households must:
- Be a Santa Monica resident
- Be experiencing a housing crisis or be at risk of losing housing
- Meet income eligibility requirements (up to 120% Area Median Income)
- Prioritization for low-income households, older adults, people with disabilities and families with minor children at greatest risk of homelessness
Eligible households are encouraged to apply regardless of citizenship status.
Applicants will be required to provide documentation verifying eligibility criteria. Assistance will not be guaranteed and depends on eligibility, priority criteria and funding availability.
Examples of Housing Crises for Santa Monica Renters
Examples may include:
- Loss of income or reduction in work hours
- Unexpected medical expenses
- Sudden or large rent increase
- Family emergency
- Temporary financial hardship
- Risk of eviction or displacement
What assistance may be available?
Eligible Santa Monica renter households may receive support such as:
- Rental assistance
- Utility assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Housing-focused case management
- Referrals to additional support services
Assistance is based on household eligibility, available funding and level of housing crisis.
How to Apply?
To apply, please complete the Santa Monica Renter Aid application via the links below:
For application support in other languages, please attend the in-person application support hours detailed below.
Please note, the first Santa Monica Renter Aid application will be available July 20 through Aug. 20, 2026. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 20, 2026, to be considered during this application window.
Additional application windows are anticipated later in 2026 and will be announced on this city webpage.
In-Person Application Support
For residents who need in-person assistance completing a Santa Monica Renter Aid application, there will be in-person application support hours available throughout the first application window from The People Concern. Applicants who can complete an online application are strongly encouraged to do so.
The in-person application support hours will be at the below location and times.
Virginia Avenue Park
Park Center Building
2200 Virginia Ave.
Tuesdays, 3 – 7 p.m.
Santa Monica Public Library
Main Library
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Thursdays, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Staff can assist with navigating the application, uploading required documents, and answering questions about the Santa Monica Renter Aid application process. Language and accessibility accommodations, including paper applications, are available.
If you have questions regarding the application process or specific accommodation requests, please email The People Concern at santamonicarenteraid@thepeopleconcern.org.
Other Resources for Santa Monica Renters
If you live in Santa Monica have received an unlawful detainer (i.e., have an active eviction court case) please call Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles as soon as possible to receive eviction prevention legal services: (800) 399-4529.
Additional resources can be found through the city’s Homelessness Prevention & Intervention Division resource card.
Important Information
Submitting an application does not guarantee financial assistance. Due to limited funding, assistance may be prioritized for households facing the greatest risk of homelessness.
Response times may vary depending on application volume.
Additional Questions?
Please review the Santa Monica Renter Aid FAQ below.