If you’re struggling to pay rent or facing eviction in San Francisco, you are not alone—help is available. Several programs provide emergency rental assistance, legal aid, and eviction prevention resources.

 

Funds are limited, and acting fast is key! This guide will help you:

• Find out if you qualify for rental assistance
• Apply step by step (including detailed instructions for EDC)
• Get legal help if you’re already facing eviction
• Know what to do if you’re denied assistance
• Find alternative support if you don’t qualify

 

If you have received an eviction notice, call us immediately at (415) 659-9184 or visit our office at 976 Mission St., SF.

 

How to Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance in San Francisco

Applying for rental assistance can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear, manageable steps makes the process easier. Below, we’ll walk you through exactly how to apply for emergency rental assistance in San Francisco.

 

Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying for rental assistance, ensure you meet the basic requirements. Each program has different guidelines, but in general, you may qualify if you:

• Live in San Francisco (some programs require proof of residency)
• Are experiencing financial hardship, such as:
  • Job loss or reduction in work hours
  • Unexpected medical expenses
  • Increase in rent or other housing costs
  • Domestic violence or other emergency situations
• Owe back rent or need help with move-in costs
• Meet income requirements (varies by program, typically low to moderate income)
• Are at risk of eviction or homelessness

 

Special Considerations:

• Not on the lease? You may still qualify! If you’re a roommate, subtenant, or renting informally, you’ll need:
  • Mail or bills showing your name at the residence
  • Rent receipts or a signed statement from the primary tenant or landlord

 

Gather Required Documents

Once you confirm eligibility, the next step is collecting the necessary paperwork. Having these documents ready before you apply can speed up the process and prevent delays.

 

Most programs require the following:

• Proof of Identity (ID)
  • Driver’s license, passport, or SF City ID
  • Consular ID (for non-U.S. citizens)

 

Don’t have a government-issued ID? Some programs may accept an alternative, such as a work or student ID.

• Proof of San Francisco Residency
  • Lease agreement or rental contract
  • Recent utility bill (PG&E, water, internet) with your name & address
  • Official mail (bank statements, medical bills, etc.)

 

Renting informally? If you don’t have a lease, provide:

• A signed statement from your landlord or primary tenant confirming you pay rent
• Mail addressed to you at the residence

 

• Proof of Income
  • Recent pay stubs or employment verification letter
  • Tax returns (1040 form) or W-2s
  • Unemployment benefits letter
  • Social Security, disability, or pension statements
  • Bank statements showing direct deposits of income

 

No formal income? Some programs accept self-declaration of income if you are paid in cash or work informally.

• Proof of Financial Hardship
  • Termination letter or proof of job loss
  • Medical bills or doctor’s note for illness-related income loss
  • Court orders (restraining orders, divorce papers, etc.) for domestic violence survivors
  • Any other documentation showing why you cannot afford rent

 

• Eviction Notice (If Applicable)
  • Notice to Pay or Quit (for unpaid rent)
  • Summons & Complaint (if the landlord has already filed an eviction lawsuit)
  • Any legal documents from your landlord or the court

 

Call us immediately at (415) 659-9184 if you receive an eviction notice.

 

• Other Supporting Documents (May Be Required)
  • Rent ledger (list of rent payments from your landlord)
  • Proof of utility debt (if requesting assistance for unpaid bills)
  • Bank statements to verify financial hardship

 

Pro Tip: Scan or take clear photos of your documents for faster online applications. If you don’t have a scanner, free apps like Adobe Scan or CamScanner can turn photos into PDFs.

 

Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance

Once you confirm eligibility, apply ASAP. Funds are limited, and demand is high.

 

San Francisco Emergency Rental Assistance Program (SF ERAP)

📞 Call: (415) 653-5744

📧 Email: help@sferap.org

 

Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) – Rental Assistance & Legal Aid

📞 Call: (415) 659-9184

📧 Email (rental assistance): edcradco@evictiondefense.org

📧 Email (legal aid): legal@evictiondefense.org

🏢 In-Person: 976 Mission St., SF

⏳ Drop-in hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

📌 Pro Tip: Apply as soon as possible! Some programs run out of funds quickly.

 

Follow Up on Your Application

After submitting your rental assistance application, staying proactive ensures your request is processed. Some programs receive high volumes of applications, so following up can prevent delays or missing out on funding.

 

• How Long Does It Take to Get a Response?
  • SF ERAP: Weeks to months due to high demand and limited funding
  • EDC Rental Assistance (RADCo): Typically faster but depends on fund availability
  • Tip: If you haven’t heard back within 1-2 weeks, call or email the program directly to check your status.

 

• How to Check Your Application Status
  • Look for confirmation emails – Some programs send application status updates via email.
  • Call the program’s helpline – Be ready with your application number and submission date.
  • Check your voicemail & spam folder – Some organizations may reach out for missing documents.
  • Tip: If you are missing any documents, submit them ASAP to avoid delays.

 

Seek Legal Help if Facing Eviction

If your landlord has given you an eviction notice, take action immediately. Do not ignore it! In many cases, tenants who do not respond within the legal deadline automatically lose their case—even if the eviction is unfair or illegal.

 

Understand Your Eviction Notice & Deadline to Respond

Your landlord must give you official written notice before filing an eviction lawsuit. Different types of notices require different responses:

• Notice to Pay or Quit (3-day notice) – Given for unpaid rent. You must pay or take legal action within 3 days.
• Notice to Cure or Quit (3-day notice) – Given for violating lease terms. You have 3 days to fix the issue or contest it.
• 30-day or 60-day Notice to Vacate – Given for no-fault evictions (such as owner move-ins). You may have tenant rights to fight it.
• Summons & Complaint (Eviction Lawsuit) – If your landlord files an eviction case in court, you must file a legal response within ten business days.

 

*IMPORTANT NOTE: You do not have to leave your unit during these notice stages. Do not self-evict! After the notice period ends, your landlord must serve you with a summons and complaint.

Tip: If you get a Summons & Complaint, you have TEN DAYS to respond—get legal help immediately!

 

Free & Low-Cost Legal Help for Tenants in SF

If you’ve received any eviction notice, contact a tenant lawyer right away:

 

Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) – Free & low-cost legal defense

📞 Call: (415) 659-9184

📧 Email: legal@evictiondefense.org

🏢 Visit: 976 Mission St., SF

⏳ Drop-in hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

 

San Francisco Rent Board – Helps mediate disputes & provides tenant protections

📞 Call: (415) 252-4600

 

San Francisco Tenants Union – Offers tenant rights counseling & advocacy

📞 Call: (415) 282-6622

 

Tip: Even if you are behind on rent, you may still have rights that prevent eviction—always consult a tenant lawyer before moving out.

 

How to Apply for Rental Assistance Through EDC (Step-by-Step)

If you wish to apply with us for rental assistance, follow these steps:

 

Check If You Qualify for EDC Assistance

EDC helps tenants who:

• Live in San Francisco
• Have a financial hardship (job loss, medical emergency, reduced work hours)
• Owe back rent (priority given to those facing eviction)
• Meet income requirements

 

Pro Tip: If you are already facing eviction, we provide free legal aid to fight your case.

 

Gather Required Documents

• Government-issued ID (Driver’s license, passport)
• Proof of SF residency (Lease agreement, utility bill)
• Eviction notice (if applicable) or rent demand letter from the landlord
• Proof of income (Pay stubs, benefits, tax returns)
• Bank statements (to verify financial hardship)

 

Tip: If you’re missing documents, contact us—we may accept alternative proof.

 

Submit Your Application

• Email: edcradco@evictiondefense.org
• By Phone: Call (415) 470-5211
• In-Person: Visit 976 Mission St., SF
• Drop-in hours:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
  • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

 

Tip: Funds are limited, so apply ASAP if you qualify!

 

Follow Up on Your Application

• Check your email and phone for updates
• If you haven’t heard back in 1-2 weeks, call EDC
• Keep records of your application number & submission date

 

Pro Tip: If denied, ask why. You may be able to appeal or find alternative assistance.

 

What to Do If Your Rental Assistance Application Is Denied

Being denied rental assistance can feel overwhelming, but don’t panic—you still have options. Many tenants get denied due to missing paperwork, high demand, or eligibility issues, but there are steps you can take to appeal, find alternative funding, or delay eviction.

 

Find Out Why You Were Denied

Before taking your next steps, ask the program why your application was denied. Some common reasons include:

• Missing documents – Your application may have been incomplete.
• Exceeded income limits – Your household income may be too high.
• Limited funding – Some programs run out of funds before they can help everyone.
• Not meeting eligibility criteria – You may not have met specific requirements for aid.

 

Quick Action: Call or email the program that denied your application and ask:

• What was the reason for the denial?
• Can I appeal or submit the missing documents?
• Are there any other assistance programs I qualify for?

 

Appeal or Reapply (If Possible)

Some programs allow you to appeal a denial or submit additional documentation.

• SF ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) – You may be able to appeal if denied due to missing documents or incorrect information. Call (415) 653-5744 to ask about an appeal.
• EDC Rental Assistance (RADCo) – If funding allows, you may reapply or request reconsideration. Call (415) 659-9184 to check your options.

 

Tip: If you were denied due to income limits, you can apply for nonprofit and faith-based rental assistance instead (see below).

 

Apply for Alternative Financial Assistance

Even if SF ERAP or EDC denies you, other organizations may help.

 

Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) – Emergency Grants

📞 Call: (415) 449-1200

 

Catholic Charities SF – Rental Assistance & Security Deposit Help

📞 Call: (415) 972-1200

 

Hamilton Families (For Families with Children)

📞 Call: (415) 614-9060

 

Compass Family Services – Rental & Deposit Assistance (For Homeless Families)

📞 Call: (415) 644-0504

 

Tip: Some programs also help with security deposits and utility bills—ask about additional services.

 

What If You Need Help Right Now?

If you are days or hours away from eviction or homelessness, take action immediately. You still have options, but time is critical.

 

Call Emergency Housing Assistance Services

• Call 311 – SF’s Housing Hotline can connect you with emergency shelter, legal help, and rental assistance.
• Call the Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC): (415) 659-9184 – If you’ve received an eviction notice, get free legal help NOW.
• Call Bay Area Legal Aid: (800) 551-5554 – If you’re a senior, disabled, or veteran, you may have special protections to prevent eviction.
• Call SF Homeless Outreach Team (SF HOT): (628) 652-8000 – Helps individuals connect to shelter, medical care, and housing resources.
• Call Adult Coordinated Entry (ACE): (415) 487-3300 ext. 7000 – Helps single adults access shelters and housing programs.

 

Tip: If you have an eviction notice, you may only have 5 days to respond. Call a legal aid service immediately.

 

Find Emergency Shelter or Temporary Housing

If you need somewhere to stay tonight, check these options:

 

San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SF HOT)

📞 Call: (628) 652-8000 – Can help find immediate shelter or support services.

 

SF Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

📞 Call: (415) 252-3232 – Can assist with emergency shelter placements.

 

Hamilton Families (For Families with Children)

📞 Call: (415) 614-9060 – Helps families find temporary and permanent housing solutions.

 

Tip: If you need a safe place to stay the night, call 311 or SF HOT to be directed to a shelter.

 

Request Emergency Rental Assistance (Even If You Think It’s Too Late)

Even if you are on the brink of eviction, apply for rental assistance immediately—funds may still be available.

Tip: If rental assistance is denied or delayed, you may still qualify for tenant protections or legal defenses against eviction. Always check with a tenant lawyer before leaving your home.

 

Know Your Rights – You May Have Legal Protections

San Francisco has strong tenant protections—you may still have legal grounds to stop your eviction:

• If your eviction is COVID-19 related, you may qualify for additional protections.*
• If you are a senior, disabled, or veteran, special eviction protections may apply. Call Bay Area Legal Aid at (800) 551-5554.
• If your landlord harasses you, changes locks, or shuts off utilities, it is illegal. Call the SF Rent Board at (415) 252-4600. Illegal eviction tactics include:

• • Changing the locks or shutting off utilities
  • Threatening or intimidating you
  • Removing your belongings without a court order
  • Giving an invalid or fraudulent eviction notice

 

*PLEASE NOTE: If the rent owed was accrued between March 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021, then tenants who submitted a COVID-19 declaration of financial distress might still have protections. Landlords could pursue this debt in small courts but not through eviction. As of now, 2025, most COVID-19-specific protections have expired. The city’s eviction moratorium concluded in August 2023. If you have a small claims court proceeding due to COVID-19-related rent owed, please contact Bay Area Legal Aid at (800) 551-5554.

Tip: Never leave voluntarily without checking your legal options—you may lose tenant protections.

 

Negotiate With Your Landlord (If Possible)

If you haven’t been evicted yet, try working out an emergency payment plan with your landlord:

• Offer a partial payment – Some landlords prefer receiving some money now instead of waiting for eviction.
• Show proof of rental assistance applications – If you’ve applied for aid, provide proof and ask for an extension.
• Get everything in writing – If your landlord agrees to a delay or payment plan, document it.

 

Tip: If your landlord refuses to negotiate, call the SF Rent Board at (415) 252-4600—they offer free mediation services for tenant disputes.

 

Need Help With Utility Bills?

If you’re struggling with rent, you may also need help with electricity, gas, or water:

 

LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

It helps pay for electricity, gas, and water bills

📞 Call: National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) at (866) 674-6327.

 

SF Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Discounts

Help with water and sewer bills for low-income households

📞 Call: (415) 551-3000

 

Take Action Now—Help is Available

If you’re struggling to pay rent or facing eviction in San Francisco, you don’t have to go through this alone. Some programs can provide rental assistance, legal aid, and emergency housing support—but acting quickly is essential.

Whether you need help applying for rental assistance, legal support to fight an eviction, or guidance on your tenant rights, we are ready to help you today.

 

Get Assistance Now

🏠 Need Rental Assistance? Email RADCo at edcradco@evictiondefense.org for help with back rent.

⚖ Received an Eviction Notice? Call our Legal Assistance Line at (415) 659-9184 or email legal@evictiondefense.org for urgent legal support.

📍 Visit Us In Person: 976 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103

• Drop-In Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

 

Don’t wait until it’s too late! The sooner you reach out, the more options you’ll have to stay in your home and get the help you need. 

If you’re unsure where to start, call us at (415) 659-9184. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.