Moving and Need Help with that Security Deposit?

The Housing Authority administers several Security Deposit Programs for jurisdiction in Santa Cruz County. These Security Deposit Programs offer eligible individuals and families assistance with a portion of their security deposit. Please see below for details about eligibility requirements, benefits and funding available in each of these programs. For more information about what household income is eligible for each program, click here for a table of income limits.

For all programs, your income eligibility MUST be determined before you move in, or you will be ineligible for security deposit assistance.

List of Security Deposit Programs

City of Capitola

Funding Available
Yes
Area Covered
Capitola City Limits
Maximum Assistance
One month’s rent
Loan vs Grant
Loan
Income Limits

80% Median Family Income

City of Santa Cruz

Funding Available
Yes
Area Covered
Santa Cruz City Limits
Maximum Assistance
One month’s rent
Loan vs Grant
Loan
Income Limits

The Security deposit assistance is primarily limited to low income households at or under 60% AMI, although up to ten percent (10%) of households may have incomes at or below eighty percent (80%) of County median family income.

Santa Cruz County HOME TBRA

Funding Available
Yes
Area Covered
Entire County of Santa Cruz, except within Santa Cruz City Limits
Maximum Assistance
Two month’s rent
Loan vs Grant
Grant
Income Limits

The Security deposit assistance is primarily limited to low income households at or under 60% AMI, although up to ten percent (10%) of households may have incomes at or below eighty percent (80%) of County median family income.

What Happens To The Security Deposit When I Move?

In most cases, the security deposit assistance is to be considered a loan during the time that you occupy the unit. When you move, you will be required to return the full amount of the security deposit assistance to the Housing Authority in the form of a check made out to the specific jurisdiction in which you were living.

If you return the security deposit assistance in full, you will be eligible to participate in the security deposit assistance program again in the future.

If the Security Deposit assistance is a grant versus a loan, when you move out of the unit you received assistance for, you are not required to return any amount of the security deposit to the Housing Authority. You are allowed to use any returned security deposit amount towards a new unit security deposit. Therefore, you are not eligible to receive additional security deposit assistance through the Housing Authority Security Deposit Program.

How Do I Apply?

First, you must find the unit that you would like to rent. An application for the security deposit program cannot be processed until you have located a unit.

Next, you will need to fill out a security deposit application form, available by calling the Security Deposit Program at (831) 454-9455 ext 321.

The application will require you to provide information about income, assets, and other family information. Additionally, you will be required to provide documentation of all of the income you report:

  • We will need copies of pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns and any other forms of income you receive.
  • A checklist of required documents is attached to the application form. Documents needed for the eligibility process must be submitted with your application.

Applications for this program will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the Housing Authority at (831)454-5977 for more information.

Si desea una traducción en español, por favor llame al (831) 454-9455.