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SF ERAP - Required Verification Documents

To apply for rental assistance, you will need to submit certain documents to verify your situation. You may provide other documents not listed here. If you cannot provide these types of documents, you should still apply. Your assigned SF ERAP agency will work with you to provide alternatives.

To complete the verification process, you’ll need to provide proof of the following:

Personal Identification

One of the following from applicant:

  • Government issued driver’s license, identification card, passport, or birth certificate
  • Identification card issued by work or school

Income

One of the following for all household members 18 or over

  • Most recent paycheck stubs
  • Letter from employer stating current salary or pay
  • Current bank statements
  • Letter from social services provider that certifies household income
  • Letter from government agency or benefits print out
  • Disability or unemployment insurance statements
  • Gig worker monthly ridership and income history
  • IRS Tax forms or most recent federal income tax statements
  • W-2 forms or other wage/earnings statements

San Francisco Residency

One of the following from applicant:

  • Driver's license or identification showing name and current address
  • Lease agreement
  • Official letter from third party showing name and current address
  • Utility statements showing name and current address
  • Letter from government agency/social services provider that certifies residency

Unpaid Rent or Move-in Costs

  • Written lease agreement or letter signed by both tenant and landlord/master tenant certifying oral lease agreement or housing arrangement

AND one of the following:

  • Up-to-date rent ledger or documentation of move-in costs owed
  • Written eviction notice to “pay or quit” or a letter from your landlord or master tenant detailing the unpaid rent
  • Eviction settlement agreement or stipulation agreement
  • Bank statements, check stubs, rent receipts, or other proof that shows a pattern of paying rent

Signed W-9 Form from landlord or master tenant

Financial Hardship

If applying for back-rent assistance, applicant must provide one of the following to demonstrate a financial hardship within the last 12 months that led to inability to pay rent. This could be an a loss of income or unexpected increase in expenses. Financial hardship is not a requirement to receive move-in assistance.

Examples of decreased income:

  • Employment termination notice
  • Notice of reduced hours at work
  • Paycheck stubs before and after loss of employment or reduction of hours
  • Unemployment insurance statements
  • Letter from social services provider/government agency regarding reduction in benefits
  • Documentation of loss of income earner in household (death or divorce certificate)

Examples of increased expenses:

  • Receipts demonstrating increased expense(s): medical bill, funeral costs, etc.
  • Notice of rent increase
  • Documentation of increased financial responsibility for a new household member
  • Detailed letter from a case manager/social worker explaining financial hardship
  • Loss of roommate leading to increased rental costs (signed letter from roommate)

Verification of Subsidy (if applicable)

Letter or other document from a government agency, landlord, property manager, or social services case worker detailing housing subsidy type and tenant’s rent contribution

Eviction Papers (if applicable)

Court papers (such as Unlawful Detainer – Summons & Complaint) OR letter from eviction defense attorney detailing rent owed and case status