https://www.bcsh.ca.gov/covidrelief/tenant_relief_faq.html
So there is alot of details that has to be met. You have to provide proof hardships. And I would get rid of the tenants ASAP. These are the exact reasons why I operate in A class rental neighborhood. Not that there is no deadbeat, but you will have a better chance of filtering out non performing renters at the beginning.
I would still ding their credit reports. Most likely, they don't care but it would create a trail financial conditions for the next landlord to at least questions their history of black marks.
EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
*
Available for households with incomes at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income, with a priority on helping households at or below 50 percent of Area Median Income as well as households unemployed for the preceding 90 days at the time of application.
*Prioritizes the payment of rental arrearages.
Landlords can choose to accept 80 percent of any unpaid rent owed from April 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021. If a landlord accepts this funding, the landlord agrees to forgive the remaining unpaid rent for that covered period.
*If a landlord chooses not to participate, the tenant can still apply for relief valued at 25 percent of unpaid back rent they owe for the covered period.
*Qualified tenants will also be able to access funds to cover 25 percent of prospective rent for the months of April, May, and June of 2021, subject to funding availability.
Utility arrearages will also be eligible to be paid, subject to funding availability.
*The State will directly administer $1.5 billion through either the State Rental Assistance program or through block grants to qualifying local jurisdictions.