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California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

City of San Diego, California: Landlord Engagement Assistance Program (LEAP)

To address homelessness exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of San Diego is urging landlords to participate in LEAP, an ongoing program that incentivizes landlords to rent to San Diegans experiencing homelessness. Although this program existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of San Diego continues to provide upfront funds to landlords who rent to a homeless family or individual during the pandemic.

LEAP includes the following incentives for participating landlords: payment of $500 for the first unit rented to a homeless family or individual, and $250 for each additional unit; up to two times the contract rent in security deposits and an average of $100 in utility assistance per household; pre-inspection certification lasting 60 days; free online rental listings; financial assistance for credit checks and application fees; and a contingency fund to help cover expenses exceeding the security deposits.

Landlords retain the right to pre-screen and select the tenants.

Government or Lead Agency

San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC)

Dates Available

Ongoing

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Eligible landlords must rent to individuals or families experiencing homelessness.

In addition, eligible landlords must have rental properties in the City of San Diego (ZIP code 92037 and ZIP codes beginning with 921, excluding 92118). To prove ownership of a property in an eligible ZIP code, fill out a Certification of Legal Ownership.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

To participate in LEAP, please contact the San Diego Housing Commission by calling (619) 578-7768 or by emailing HouseingFirstSanDiego@sdhc.org. Landlords may also access the SDHC Landlord Portal.

List of Additional Information

For more information about LEAP, click here.

For recent press coverage of the program, click here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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