Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Many residents struggle to afford rent, especially after economic challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfires. Rent relief programs provide critical support to tenants and landlords, helping cover unpaid rent and prevent evictions. This guide focuses on the United to House Los Angeles Income Support Program (ULA ISP) and other resources available in 2025. We’ll cover eligibility, application processes, and tips to stay housed, ensuring you have clear, actionable information.
United to House Los Angeles Income Support Program (ULA ISP)
What is ULA ISP?
The United to House Los Angeles Income Support Program (ULA ISP) is a city initiative to support low-income renters at risk of losing their homes. It targets households with seniors (aged 65 or older) or individuals with disabilities. The program provides a one-time payment of $20,000 to help cover rent, utilities, or other essential expenses. Funded by Measure ULA, a tax on property sales over $5 million, ULA ISP aims to prevent homelessness and stabilize vulnerable households.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for ULA ISP, your household must meet these requirements:
- Residency: Live in the City of Los Angeles, regardless of immigration status. Verify your address at neighborhoodinfo.lacity.gov.
- Household Composition: Include at least one member who is disabled or 65 years or older, as listed on your original ULA Emergency Renters Assistance Program (ULA ERAP) application.
- Income Limits: Have a 2023 household income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Below are the 80% AMI limits for reference (50% AMI is lower):
- 1 person: $44,150
- 2 persons: $50,450
- 3 persons: $56,750
- 4 persons: $63,050
- 5 persons: $68,100
- 6 persons: $73,150
- 7 persons: $78,200
- 8 persons: $83,250
- Exclusions: You cannot participate if you’re in Section 8 housing choice vouchers, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), or project-based Section 8 or public housing.
Application Process
- Current Status: As of July 23, 2025, ULA ISP is not accepting new applications. Only households with ongoing ULA ERAP applications who meet the senior or disability criteria are being processed.housing.
- Notifications: Eligible applicants began receiving notifications the week of February 3, 2025. If you applied through ULA ERAP, check if you qualify for ULA ISP.
- Steps for Eligible Applicants:
- Attend a mandatory consultation with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles to discuss public benefits and tax impacts.
- Provide proof of age (e.g., a government-issued ID with photo) for household members 65 or older.
- Check Application Status: Visit lahd.service-now.com/ula_erap to check your application status (look for applications starting with “ULA”).housing.
- Support: Call the ULA ISP Hotline at (866) 557-7368, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or use TTY line 711. You can also schedule appointments at LAHD regional offices.
- Future Rounds: New application periods may open as Measure ULA generates more revenue. Subscribe to the LAHD newsletter at housing.lacity.gov for updates.
Current Status
The ULA ISP program is not currently open for new applications. Funding is limited, and only a select number of ULA ERAP applicants (about 500 households) are receiving the $20,000 payment. Since Measure ULA continues to generate funds, future rounds may be announced.
Other Rent Relief Programs in Los Angeles
City of Los Angeles Emergency Renters Assistance Program (ULA ERAP)
- Overview: The ULA ERAP, also funded by Measure ULA, provided rental assistance to tenants and landlords for unpaid rent from April 2020 to September 2021. It aimed to help low-income households (at or below 80% AMI) facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.housing.
- Timeline: The application window closed on October 31, 2023. Eviction protections for approved applicants awaiting funding were extended through May 31, 2024.
- Eligibility: Applicants needed to be City of Los Angeles residents, have unpaid rent from the specified period, and meet income requirements. Priority was given to households with incomes at or below 30% AMI.
- Current Status: The program is closed, but it transitioned into ULA ISP for eligible senior and disabled households.
LA County Rent Relief Program
- Overview: This program, managed by the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), provided up to $30,000 per rental unit to landlords for unpaid rent and eligible expenses (e.g., utilities) from April 1, 2022, onward. It distributed over $68 million to support landlords affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Timeline: The second round of applications opened on May 20, 2024, and closed on June 4, 2024. No new rounds have been announced for 2025.
- Eligibility: Landlords had to own properties in Los Angeles County (excluding the City of Los Angeles), provide proof of ownership, and have tenants still occupying the units. Priority was given to properties in high-need areas, as identified by the LA County Equity Explorer Tool.
- Current Status: The program is closed. Landlords and tenants can check application status at lacountyrentrelief.com. Future funding may be announced, so monitor dcba.lacounty.gov.
Additional Resources
If you’re facing rent challenges, these organizations can help:
- 211LA: A nonprofit connecting residents to rental assistance, legal aid, and other services. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org.
- NAACP Los Angeles: Provides advocacy and resources for renters. Visit naacplosangeles.org.
- Eviction Defense Network: Offers legal support for tenants facing eviction. Call (213) 340-4714.
- Stay Housed LA: Provides mediation and legal aid for tenants and landlords. Visit stayhousedla.org.
- Los Angeles Women’s Rental Assistance Program (NCJW|LA): Assists female heads of households with dependents facing financial hardship. Visit ncjwla.org.
How to Stay Informed and Prepared
Rent relief programs can open and close quickly, so staying proactive is key. Here are practical steps:
- Monitor Official Websites: Regularly check housing.lacity.gov and dcba.lacounty.gov for program updates.
- Subscribe to Newsletters: Sign up for LAHD’s newsletter at housing.lacity.gov to get alerts about new funding rounds.
- Gather Documents: Prepare proof of income, rental agreements, identification, and proof of hardship (e.g., medical bills or layoff notices) for future applications.
- Understand Tenant Rights: Rent-stabilized units in the City of Los Angeles have a 3% rent increase cap from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026 (up to 5% if utilities are included). Learn more at housing.lacity.gov.
- Seek Legal Help: If facing eviction, contact the Eviction Defense Network or Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. Find resources at stayhousedla.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I apply for rent relief in Los Angeles?
As of July 2025, ULA ISP is not accepting new applications. If you applied through ULA ERAP, check your status at lahd.service-now.com/ula_erap. For other programs, visit 211la.org or lacountyrentrelief.com.
What are the eligibility requirements for rent relief programs in LA?
Eligibility depends on the program. For ULA ISP, you need to be a City of Los Angeles resident, have a senior or disabled household member, and have a 2023 income at or below 50% AMI. Other programs may require proof of financial hardship or residency in specific areas.
Is there rent relief for landlords in Los Angeles?
The LA County Rent Relief Program offered up to $30,000 per unit for landlords but closed in June 2024. No new rounds are announced for 2025. Check lacountyrentrelief.com for updates.dcba.
When is the next rent relief application period in LA?
No new application periods are confirmed for 2025. Monitor housing.lacity.gov and dcba.lacounty.gov for announcements.
What is the United to House Los Angeles Income Support Program?
ULA ISP provides a $20,000 one-time payment to low-income renters in the City of Los Angeles with seniors or disabled individuals to prevent displacement.
How can I check the status of my rent relief application?
For ULA ISP or ULA ERAP, visit lahd.service-now.com/ula_erap. For LA County programs, check lacountyrentrelief.com.
Conclusion
Rent relief programs like ULA ISP and ULA ERAP have been lifelines for Los Angeles residents facing housing challenges. While many programs are currently closed, new opportunities may arise as funding becomes available. By staying informed, preparing documents, and knowing your rights, you can better navigate the rental landscape. Resources like 211LA, Stay Housed LA, and the City of Los Angeles Housing Department are here to help you stay housed and secure.