LOS ANGELES – Renters in Los Angeles County who have lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic could receive up to $1,000 per month for three months.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an emergency rent assistance program on Tuesday.

There is currently a moratorium on evictions and a freeze on rent hikes to keep residents from losing their place to live during the stay-at-home order. While there is a moratorium on landlords evicting renters, residents will owe any back rent after the crisis has ended.

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Rent assistance under the program will not need to be paid back. The proposal was created by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis.

“As we fight the spread of this virus and do everything we can to save lives, this crisis has devastated families who were already living on the brink of poverty,” said Hahn. “The eviction moratorium we have in place has provided some relief, but many families are going to struggle to pay back the rent they owe after this crisis is over. Rent assistance will help keep people in their homes and lessen some of the long-term economic damage this pandemic will have on families.”

The number of people that could receive help from the program depends on the level of funding allocated from the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. More funding could come from private sources and philanthropists.

In 30 days, the Los Angeles County Development Authority will report back to the Board of Supervisors with a plan for the implementation of the program.