Councilman Mitch O’Farrell

Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell launched a new program on Oct. 24 that will provide $3 million in rental aid for eligible residents in the 13th District.

“My rental aid program will help renters in the 13th District stay housed, and that’s my top priority,” O’Farrell said. “I’ve been a renter for most of my life and my family repeatedly faced eviction when I was a child, so I know firsthand the burdens faced by some renters. That’s why we’ve worked so hard during the pandemic to provide relief to people affected by COVID19.” The rental aid program will accept applications through Nov. 4. Eligible tenants and small mom and pop landlords can apply by visiting cd13.com/rentalaid. If a tenant or landlord does not have access to a computer, applications can be submitted by calling (855)490-3481 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. O’Farrell’s District Office, located at 1722 Sunset Blvd. in Echo Park, is also accepting residents who prefer to complete an application in person.

To be eligible, a tenant’s household income for 2021 or 2022 must be at or below 80% of the area median income, and a tenant must owe their landlord unpaid rent on or after April 1, 2022. For example, a family of two with an annual household income of up to $76,250 would qualify. A family of four with a household income of up to $95,300 would also qualify. Tenants must live within the 13th District. Landlords must have a tenant who qualifies for the program. A mom and pop landlord may own no more than four rental units plus a single-family home in Los Angeles.

O’Farrell is partnering with community organizations to assist with outreach and applications, including the Bresee Foundation, Koreatown Youth + Community Center and Armenian Relief Society.

“The Housing Department shares Councilmember O’Farrell’s commitment to keeping people housed,” said Ann Sewill, general manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department. “The Council District 13 Rental Aid Program is going to go a long way to helping Councilmember O’Farrell’s constituents endure the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.”

For information, visit cd13.com.