City of Palm Desert: Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Rental Property Guidelines & Application

Introduction

The City of Palm Desert is offering an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (Program) to assist market-rate rental properties (Rental Properties) impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The Program serves as an economic recovery tool for Rental Properties and a safety net for lower and moderate-income households (Qualified Households). The Program provides financial assistance in the form of rental arrears to Rental Properties for delinquent payments for April 2020 and/or beyond. The City estimates serving up to 50 Qualified Households with assistance up to $5,000 per rental unit.

The initial application is for Rental Property owners or its respective business representatives (not tenants).

The Program is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities Act, and administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If awarded funds, Rental Properties are required to enter into an agreement adhering to additional federal rules and regulations.

Eligibility Requirements for Rental Properties

Eligible Rental Property types include:

  • Multi-family homes (2 units or more).
  • Single-family homes (attached or detached).
  • Accessory dwelling units.

Other Rental Property eligibility requirements include:

  • Applicable to market-rate rental units only.
  • Located within the jurisdictional limits of Palm Desert.
  • Waive all late fees for delinquent payments for participating Qualified Households.
  • Assist in advertising rental assistance opportunity to Qualified Households.
  • Assist Qualified Households with obtaining the appropriate supporting documentation.

Eligibility requirements for Households

As previously mentioned, the initial application process is intended for Rental Property owners or its respective business representatives (not tenants). Tenants from selected Rental Properties will have an opportunity apply for emergency rental assistance in the future.

Qualified Household eligibility requirements include:

  • Reside within a rental property that has opted into the Program.
  • Earn less than 80% percent of the area median income.
  • Reside within a market-rate rental unit.
  • Experience loss of income directly related to the coronavirus.
  • Delinquent on rent payment, including partial payments, for April 2020 and/or beyond.
  • No rental property eviction existed or was filed prior to March 19, 2020.

Application for Rental Properties

Rental Properties are first required to opt-in to the Program by completing the application below. Please note the City anticipates the need for emergency rental assistance will substantially exceed the amount of available funds. Therefore, submission of an application does not guarantee emergency rental assistance. The application can be found at:

Application Deadline

Please submit an application by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020.

Next Steps

Following the application deadline, the City will contact the Rental Properties within 14 days with a funding decision. If selected for funding, Rental Properties will subsequently work with the nonprofit agency, the Jewish Family Services of the Desert, on identifying Qualified Households.

Contact Information

For additional questions, please contact Senior Management Analyst, Christopher Gerry, by emailing cgerry@cityofpalmdesert.org or calling (760) 776-6335.