About the Program
RC Cares COVID-19 Community Relief Program
The Rancho Cucamonga City Council took action to establish the RC Cares Community Relief program in order to utilize the City’s allocation of CARES Act funding to fund a number of relief programs to assist its residents and businesses who have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In August 2020, the City announced an initial round of assistance that included a variety of relief programs that included: Rental Assistance, Rental Forgiveness, County COVID-Compliant Business Partnership City Match, and Outdoor Business Operations Assistance.
Emergency Rental Assistance Grant Program (Round 2) Now Accepting Applications
The Rancho Cucamonga City Council established the Emergency Rental Assistance Grant Program to utilize the City’s allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds through the Federal CARES Act to fund a number of relief programs to assist its residents who have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In this second round of RC CARES funding, grants of up to $2,000 per month for three (3) consecutive months of rental assistance will be awarded to approximately 139 households.
- Landlord and Tenant will be required to enter into a Program Participation Payment Acceptance Agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the Emergency Rental Assistance Grant.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Grant Program provides three (3) consecutive months of assistance with rent, up to $2,000 per month, to prevent eviction for residential tenants financially impacted by COVID-19.
Program Rules and Eligibility:
- All applications will be screened for basic eligibility (i.e., Rancho Cucamonga residency for residential rental programs and income.) All applications that pass this first screening will move into the review process
- Landlord and Tenant will be required to enter into a Program Participation Payment Acceptance Agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the Emergency Rental Assistance Grant.
- Have a current annual household income that does not exceed 80% of the San Bernardino County Area Median Income as established by HUD (see chart below).
4. City staff may contact applicants for additional documentation or to answer questions. Applicants that do not provide the requested information within five (5) business days of being contacted may be deemed ineligible. The City’s decision regarding application eligibility is final.
5. All applicants will receive notification by email to let them know if their application is approved or not approved for funding.
Applicants must:
6. Reside in Rancho Cucamonga.
7. Have a current and valid lease or provide proof of rent payment history
8. Demonstrate financial hardship that was created due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
9. NOT have received other rental assistance from any governmental agency. Households with Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), or households that live in Project-Based voucher units or receive other government rental assistance are NOT eligible.
10. Applicants are not eligible for funding if their landlord is an immediate family member.
11. Payments are made directly to the landlord
12. Applicants ARE encouraged to apply even if previously approved for other RC CARES Community Relief Programs.
How to Apply
Residents should apply online at www.CityofRC/RCCares. The City will receive applications beginning October 26, 2020, and the application period closes on December 15, 2020. Funding is limited and applications will be reviewed and funded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Payments
Payments will be processed by check and sent via USPS directly to the landlord. The landlord agrees that the money will be applied towards the tenant’s rent for three (3) consecutive months by processing the check.
Documentation Requirements for Emergency Rental Assistance Grant Program and Rental Forgiveness Program Application (Residential)
Documentation Requirements:
The following documents must be uploaded with your application. Do not submit originals. No documents will be returned.
- Photo identification: Photo Identification for every person over the age of 18 listed as a member of the family residing in the rental housing unit for which rent assistance is requested.
- Proof of COVID-19 Economic Impact: Applicants must submit documentation confirming negative economic impact during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Monthly income from January and February of 2020 shall be compared to monthly income from May 2020 through July 2020. Acceptable documentation of negative economic impact shall include:
- A copy of family member(s) notification of job loss/termination from employer during the eligible pandemic period (May 2020 through July 2020); or
- A copy of family member(s) notification of furlough from employer during the eligible pandemic period (May 2020 through July 2020); or
- A copy of family member(s) notification or employer signed form confirming reduction in hours and/or pay during the eligible pandemic period (May 2020 through July 2020). The Request for Verification of Income or Reduction of Hours and/or Pay Form (Exhibit 3) to the Program Guidelines may be used for this purpose; or
- A copy of family member(s) application during the eligible pandemic period (May 2020 through July 2020) and/or approval for Unemployment Insurance benefits;
- A notarized affidavit signed that includes the name of the family member who is self-employed, the name and nature of the business, and narrative confirming economic impact on self-employment during eligible pandemic period (March 1, 2020 to present); or
- Other appropriate documentation acceptable to the City.
- Verification of Income: For each adult in the family 18 years or older, submit the supporting documentation appropriate for each type of income indicated in the program application Table C.
- Proof of Tenancy: Current residential lease agreement or rental agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RC Cares Program's Emergency Rental Assistance Grant?
The City of Rancho Cucamonga is pleased to announce the launch of the RC Cares Program as part of the COVID-19 Community Relief Program. Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) on March 27, 2020 authorizing $2.2 trillion in a variety of stimulus measures to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The law includes for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement communities to receive a portion of this funding. On July 15, 2020 the City of Rancho Cucamonga City Council authorized $839,540 from it CDBG CARES allocation for Emergency Rental Assistance in the community.
Is the application available in multiple languages?
Yes, we are working hard to provide the application documents in at least English and Spanish. If other languages are needed, please call (909) 774-CARE (2273) or by email.
When can I apply?
Applications will be available beginning October 26, 2020. Please review the guidelines, qualifications, and the required documents that will be needed to complete the application. Do not begin an application until the required documents are available for uploading. Applications will be accepted only through the Online Application Portal, available on this webpage beginning October 26th. If assistance is required to submit your application, please call (909) 774-CARE (2273) or email. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If I receive assistance through the program, do I have to pay it back?
No. The RC Cares program is sourced from Federal funds that do not need to be paid back; unless any overpayment or misrepresentation and/or fraudulent information is provided in the application.
How long will it take to process my application?
Our goal is to process applications and issue payment on a rolling basis as applications are reviewed and approved. Applicants can expect to be approved or declined within 3-4weeks of submitting their application. .
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Must be a residential renter in the City of Rancho Cucamonga.
- Must have a current and valid lease or provide proof of rent payment history.
- Renter must demonstrate economic impact as a direct result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Must NOT have received other rental assistance from any governmental agency. However, recipients of RC CARES Round 1 funds are eligible to apply.
- Cannot exceed 80 percent of the County of San Bernardino Area Median Income (AMI) based on Household size (see chart below).
How can I track the status of my application?
Upon the submittal of an application and required documents, a “Thank You” page will be displayed, and an email notification will be sent to applicant with a Case Number.
I have multiple adults living in my household. Can any adults listed on the lease apply?
Yes, any adult (18 years of age or older) that is listed on the lease can apply for rental assistance. However, only ONE application should be submitted per household. Additional applications submitted for one household will be disqualified and not considered for funding.
I am a Rancho Cucamonga resident experiencing challenges with paying rent. However, I have not experienced a loss of employment or reduced income due to COVID-19. Am I eligible to participate in the program?
No, you are not eligible to participate. The purpose of the RC Cares program is to provide financial relief to renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, such as a loss of employment or reduction in hours of employment.
I already terminated my lease. Can I still apply to be reimbursed?
No, you must have a current lease and be living in the unit as your primary residence.
I have a Housing Choice Voucher. Am I eligible for the program?
No. Households with Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), or households that live in Project-Based voucher units or receive other government rental assistance, are NOT eligible.
Are citizenship documents required for this program?
We do not collect information about citizenship status. Citizenship status does not affect eligibility for this program.
My only income is Social Security or pension payments from my retirement fund. Am I eligible?
No. The purpose of this assistance is to assist households who have fallen behind on rent due to loss of employment or reduced income because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
I am receiving unemployment. Will I still qualify?
Yes. Unemployment is not considered a category of rental assistance from governmental agencies.
I had to leave my job/reduce my hours because I couldn’t find childcare. Am I eligible?
Yes. If you can document your child’s care provider/school closed, and you had to leave your job or reduce hours to care for them, you are eligible for this program.
I left my job because I am a medically high-risk person. Am I eligible?
Yes. You must provide a note from your medical provider or other medical record acknowledging a medical condition that puts you at high-risk and caused you to leave your job.
If I’m eligible, how much rental assistance will I receive?
The amount of assistance will be the amount of your monthly rent of $2,000.00 for three (3) consecutive months for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Do you provide the rental assistance funds directly to me?
No. The rental assistance funds are provided directly to the property owner/landlord to be credited to your account. To verify that funds have been credited to your account, you should request a copy of your rent balance from your landlord.
What if my landlord is an immediate family member?
If you pay rent to an immediate family member (parents or siblings), then you are NOT eligible to participate in this program.
Why can’t the program pay my entire rent?
The RC Cares Program is meant to serve the most households possible with limited funding. The amount of assistance is limited to a maximum of $2,000.00 per month for three (3) months under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Should I tell my landlord I am applying?
Yes. As part of the application approval process your landlord will be required to enter into a Program Participation Payment Acceptance Agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the Emergency Rental Assistance Grant, This Agreement will also require the tenants signature. It will be important to notify your landlord of your application process and not advise them that they will need to execute the agreement to complete your application.
What if my landlord refuses to participate in the program?
We hope that will not happen, but if it does, the City cannot force the landlord to participate.
What is the process you are following to verify that my property is with the City of Rancho Cucamonga?
We are using the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s GIS parcel database to verify that the property is within city limits.
Will my tenant directly receive the rental assistance payment?
No. Per program guidelines, rent payments will be payable directly to the landlord.
How can I help my tenant with the application process?
Be prepared to confirm the household has a current lease and execute the Program Participation Payment Acceptance Agreement.
Can I apply on behalf of my tenant(s)?
While you can encourage your tenant(s) to apply, they must apply themselves. Tenants will need to provide personal documentation specifying how COVID-19 impacted their household, and to certify the accuracy of the information as part of the application process so they must apply themselves.
What is the process you are following to qualify my property for the program?
Unlike other rental assistance programs, there are no inspections or pre-qualification requirements. The purpose of this assistance is to assist households who need assistance to remain current with rent due to COVID 19 related causes. Qualification for assistance is primarily linked to household eligibility.
How will I know if my tenant is awarded the rental assistance funds, and how will I receive the funds?
An email will be sent to both the tenant and the landlord to confirm the award. The application information will be forwarded to our Finance Department for payment by check. Should Finance staff have any questions, they may reach out to you directly.
How many payments will I receive?
The property owner will receive one (1) payment per selected tenant application
Will I be responsible for reimbursing the City of Rancho Cucamonga for any payment that is determined to be an overpayment or fraudulent request?
The RC Cares funding is derived from Federal funds, and the City must recover any erroneous payments under the program. Any overpayment or misrepresentation and/or fraud by the tenants, the City will require the landlord to return funds. If the tenant is no longer leasing with the landlord at the time of fraud determination, we will seek other actions against the tenant.
Purpose and Background
The purpose of the rules and guidelines is to guide the administration of the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s RC CARES programs approved through City Council action on July 15, 2020. The City of Rancho Cucamonga City Council has authorized $839,540 from its CDBG CARES allocation for Emergency Rental Assistance in the community.
BACKGROUND
Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the President signed it on March 27, 2020 authorizing $2.2 trillion in a variety of stimulus measures to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The law includes $2 billion for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement communities. The City of Rancho Cucamonga receives regular formula-based entitlement grants of CDBG funds through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each year.