Rent relief is back in Milpitas, but only for a sliver of the city’s most financially stressed renters. City officials have launched a second round of their workforce rental assistance program, offering up to two years of direct rent support to a small number of extremely low income households. The money will be paid straight to landlords to make sure it actually covers rent, and the application window will not stay open forever. City staff warn the portal may shut down early if the program fills up.
How to apply and who it helps
The second round of the Workforce Housing Rental Assistance Program (WHRAP) will provide 24 months of rental assistance to up to 28 households at or below 30% of the California Housing & Community Development area median income. The application period opened Dec. 16, with a potential closing date of Feb. 24. City of Milpitas officials note that the application may close early if the program reaches the approved number of participants.
Funding and landlord payments
The city is relaunching the program with Permanent Local Housing Allocation dollars and has set aside $773,341 for the effort. City officials told The Mercury News that payments will go directly to landlords to ensure the funds cover rent. According to FORWARD, the platform administering the program, it handles document verification, landlord outreach and payment processing to get relief into accounts.
Eligibility details
The city says applicants must meet income and residency requirements and submit documentation such as a lease and proof of income. Priority goes to households that live and/or work in Milpitas and meet the very low income threshold. The City of Milpitas outlines the required documents and verification steps for both applicants and landlords.
What changed from the first round
Round one rolled out in April 2024. It was originally designed to reach more households, but is now providing assistance to a smaller group of recipients. City staff say round two builds on lessons from that pilot, with a focus on expanding access while tightening administrative guardrails. In a statement to The Mercury News, Adnan Mahmud said the aim is to expand access and strengthen support while making sure funds are used for rent.
Why this matters locally
Milpitas leaders have been testing different responses to housing stress, and this decision to target very low income households with direct payments signals a narrower, aid focused strategy rather than the broader rent control measures that have come up at council meetings. Recent coverage from CBS News shows the city weighing short term relief efforts alongside longer term housing policy debates at City Hall.
Where to get help
Residents who think they might qualify can find the application and program details through the city’s rental assistance portal and through FORWARD. The platform offers applicant support, a help line for technical questions, a tutorial and contact information for those who need extra guidance with the process.
