In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Monterey created and implemented the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) with the objective of mitigating potential homelessness and displacement of Monterey residents and workers who are experiencing a decrease in household income, and thus, unable to pay their rent.

The purpose of this amendment is to update the guidelines for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in order to ensure that the program is operated in compliance with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CARES Act regulations. The amendments to the guidelines are as follows:

• Clirify that the City can provide a maximum of six (6) consecutive months of rental assistance.
• Include the requirement that if a household receives more than 3 months of assistance, they must undergo a visual lead-based paint assessment as per the Lead Safe Housing Rule (LSHR) requirements. If a determination is made that there may be lead-based paint or asbestos present, testing and remediation will be required.
• Allow for late fees and other such costs to be covered by the program in addition to rent.
• Update the income limits annually upon HUD’s release.

Any questions about the Substantial Amendment should be directed to Grant Leonard at (831) 646-3995 or email: housing@monterey.org

Draft Substantial Amendment

The City of Monterey has announced that its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has expended all of the City’s available rental assistance funding. In total, the City’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program has issued 405 checks totalling $962,287.32 to help 162 households since it’s start in August 2020. The program is designed to reduce homelessness and displacement of existing Monterey residents and workers who are or were employed by a Monterey business and are experiencing a decrease in household income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and cannot pay their rent. Monterey County has received $26.7 million in federal funding for rental assistance through the latest stimulus act. The County tasked United Way Monterey County to develop a mechanism for distribution of these funds. The City hopes that the County will allocate some of the funding to the City’s successful rental assistance program. FULL NEWS RELEASE IN PDF

The City of Monterey is pleased to announce the start of an Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The City Council allocated $800,000 to fund this program. The program is designed to reduce homelessness and displacement of existing Monterey residents and workers who are experiencing a decrease in household income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and cannot pay their rent. NEWS RELEASE IN PDF

The City of Monterey is pleased to announce a development opportunity for four City-owned sites located in the Downtown Specific Plan area. The City is seeking proposals for the development of these properties for affordable housing projects. Development teams experienced in high quality, multi-family affordable housing are invited to submit their development proposals by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4th, 2020 to the City’s Housing Programs Office. NEWS RELEASE IN PDF

Monterey County Superior Court issued a decision on February 19, 2020  in favor of the City of Monterey in the case of Burlingame Investments, LLC vs City of Monterey. NEWS RELEASE IN PDF

The City of Monterey is pleased to provide an update on the City’s Affordable First-Time Home Buyer Program. The program is designed to provide low income and workforce housing to individuals and families who otherwise would not be able to afford to purchase a home in Monterey. NEWS RELEASE IN PDF

Home Ownership Program Web Page - https://www.monterey.org/Services/Community-Development/Housing/Home-Ownership-Programs

The City of Monterey is pleased to announce the start of its annual home repair grant program. The Housing Rehabilitation Program serves low-income homeowners within the City of Monterey, and allows residents to secure grants for repairs to help maintain their most important investment - their home. Eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply early to ensure funds are available, with priority screening beginning in late September.

At the June 18, 2019  City Council Meeting, the Monterey City Council unanimously adopted Voluntary Rental Guidelines for residential rental owners, managers, and tenants. Aimed at providing a standard of guidelines for landlord/tenant relations, the Voluntary Rental Guidelines provide a platform to support quality agreements between property managers/owners and their tenants. The guidelines also include components to assist each party toward fair and reasonable resolution in situations that warrant mediation.