California Eyes Paying Off Past-Due Rent Accrued During Pandemic

Residents earning up to 80% of their area’s median income would benefit from the plan that's reportedly being finalized in the state Legislature.

Low-income California residents could see unpaid rent accrued during the coronavirus pandemic entirely paid off as part of a $5.2 billion program that’s reportedly being considered in the state Legislature. The proposal, which is currently being finalized, would cover select residents’ outstanding bills using unused federal pandemic relief money allocated to the state. Residents’ unpaid water and electricity bills may also be covered under a $2 billion proposal, The New York Times reported. The total money being considered appears to be more than enough to cover unpaid rent across the state, Jason Elliott, senior counselor to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on housing and homelessness, told The Associated Press.