Landlord Resources

Local

2024 CA Guide to Tenants and Landlords rights and responsibilities (available in English and Spanish)

Measure O

For all in Measure O related questions, visit the our Measure O webpage.

Tenant Relocation Related to Rent Increase Ordinance

At the January 8, 2019 City Council Meeting, the City Council approved an amendment to the City of Santa Cruz Municipal Code related to relocation assistance for displaced tenants. For more information, access to FAQs and a copy of the ordinance, please visit the Planning and Community Development Department webpage.

Landlord Incentive Program & Renting to Subsidy Voucher Holders

In partnership with the City of Santa Cruz, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz is currently managing the Landlord Incentive Program. The Landlord Incentive Program allows the Housing Authority to reimburse landlords up to $2,500 for damages, unpaid rent, and other expenses that exceed the security deposit when renting to voucher holders. Read more about the Landlord Incentive Program(PDF, 362KB).

The Housing Authority also has more information on participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program as a landlord. Please visit their Landlord Portal for more information and resources.

Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County (CRC)

The CRC's Housing Mediation Program provides free mediation services to landlords and tenants with rental housing disputes. Goal is to increase housing stability for tenants, avoid court filings, and improve relationships between landlords and tenants.

Benefits of Mediation:

  • For Landlords
    • Takes less time than the court process
    • Costs less than going to court
    • Improved lease compliance
    • Creates stronger communication and relationship with tenants
  • For Tenants
    • Does not affect rental history
    • Does not affect credit history
    • Helps avoid evictions
    • Creates stronger communication and relationship with landlord

Habitat For Humanity Monterey Bay ADU Development Programs

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay currently has two open Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) development programs. These units are sometimes referred to as "Granny Units" or "In-law Units". These programs require restricting the ADU to affordable rents for Low Income Households.

  • My House My Home (MHMH):
    • Restricted to Low Income Senior Homeowners (62 years +).
    • Partnership program between Senior homeowners, Habitat for Humanity, City of Santa Cruz, and Senior Network Services.
    • Build new or renovate existing ADU.
    • Low interest rate loans from the City and Habitat.
    • ADU is deed restricted & rented to Low Income Household.
  • CalHome Program:
    • Funding from State of California Housing and Community Development Department (HCD).
    • Building new ADUs in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
    • Open to Low Income Homeowners (no age restriction).
    • Zero interest 30-year balloon payment from Habitat.
    • Requires ADU is deed restricted and rented to Low Income Household.

State

Mortgage Assistance

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) manages a program which provides tax credits to eligible homebuyers which reduces the amount of federal income tax paid. This results in a homebuyer having more income available to qualify and pay for a mortgage. Please visit the Cal HFA Loan Programs webpage for more information.

Federal

HUD Resources

  • Housing Counseling Services - The nationwide network of HUD participating housing counseling agencies have been helping consumers across America for more than 50 years by providing the answers they need to make informed housing decisions. For help talking to your mortgage servicer or understanding your options, contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in your area.

Federal Housing Finance Agency

  • For resources and information, you can visit the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) website to find latest actions, information on assistance and resources for homeowners.
  • If your ability to pay your mortgage has been impacted and your loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible to delay making your monthly mortgage payments for a temporary period of time.

Federal Eviction Moratorium

In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision that invalidated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) eviction moratorium, HUD is using every tool at its disposal to help safeguard the millions of Americans now in danger of losing their homes. View the HUD Evictions Guidance to learn more about the actions HUD is taking to help prevent evictions.

HUD programs and resources should be sought out by all Americans who are seeking assistance in avoiding eviction, relocating to new homes in the event an eviction moves forward, and fighting unfair evictions. HUD also has a responsibility to assist landlords, owners, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), and all its stakeholders in weathering this public health crisis.

Eviction prevention resources, tools, and training for HUD's grantees will continue to be posted to HUD Exchange as they are available. A selection of resources include:

If you're a landlord trying to stay afloat with tenants in this situation - help may be available through HUD’s rent relief resources.

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