Apply by August 20
The City of Santa Monica just launched the Santa Monica Renter Aid program to provide short-term financial assistance and housing case management services to Santa Monica renters who are at risk of losing their housing. Per the City, examples of a qualifying housing crisis for Santa Monica renter households may include loss of income or reduction in work hours, unexpected medical expenses, a sudden or large rent increase, a family emergency, a temporary financial hardship, and/or a risk of eviction or displacement.
Per the City, the program may serve Santa Monica resident households earning up to 120% of Area Median Income (for example, 2-person households with up to $144,000 annual income and 4-person households with up to $180,000 annual income). However, prioritization for the available funds will be given to low-income households, older adults, people with disabilities, and families with minor children at the greatest risk of homelessness.
The first application window closes August 20, 2026, so if you or someone you know may qualify, we’d encourage applying as soon as possible.
The City website with full details and an online application is: https://www.santamonica.gov/programs/santa-monica-renter-aid.
Per the City, applying does not guarantee receipt of financial assistance.
Free in-person application help is also available Tuesdays 3–7 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park and Thursdays 12:30–4:30 p.m. at the Main Library, including paper applications and multilingual and accessibility support.
If you have questions after reviewing the City website, please email [email protected] or contact our SMRR Tenant Hotline at 310-394-0848.
We’re proud that this program exists due to organizing by the leadership, members and allies of Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights, due to the voters who approved 2022 Measure GS which is providing the funding, and due to SMRR supported City Councilmembers who pushed for creation of this program.
This is what SMRR advocacy looks like in action, and we want to make sure every Santa Monica renter who needs it can take advantage of it.
Serving the needs of all Santa Monicans since 1979