Housing Division
Housing Programs
A variety of housing opportunities is primary City Council goal. The City obtains grant funding to provide housing opportunities in Arcata. The Housing Division collaborates with the Planning Division to assist developers of affordable and market rate housing projects.
Housing programs may vary depending on available grant funds. Following are some current programs:
- A range of housing choices, including a Home Ownership Program, and affordable housing projects;
- Infill development in vacant, brownfield, and underutilized land;
- Creation of residential units on upper floors of businesses;
Most housing programs are open to applicants who meet State income qualification guidelines. Income limits are determined by the CA Department of Housing and Community Development.
Mobilehome Rehabilitation Program (MORE)
The City of Arcata's Mobilehome Rehabilitation Program (MORE) is no longer accepting new applications.
This grant-funded program assisted eligible mobilehome owners in Arcata with repairs, accessibility improvements, and energy upgrades. Priority will be given to homes with health or safety code violations.
For more information about the program, our guidelines can be found here.
Please contact Program Specialist, Isaac West, at (707) 825-2107 or iwest@cityofarcata.org with any questions.
Programa de Rehabilitación de Casas Móviles (MORE)
El Programa de Rehabilitación de Casas Móviles (MORE) de la Ciudad de Arcata ya no acepta nuevas solicitudes.
Este programa financiado por subvenciones ayudó a los propietarios de casas móviles elegibles en Arcata con reparaciones, mejoras de accesibilidad y actualizaciones de energía. Se dará prioridad a los hogares con violaciones al código de salud o seguridad.
Para obtener más información sobre el programa, puede encontrar nuestras pautas aquí.
Comuníquese con el Especialista en Desarrollo Comunitario Isaac West al (707) 825-2107 o iwest@cityofarcata.org si tiene alguna pregunta.
CalHome Mobilehome Ownership Program
The CalHome Mobilehome Ownership Program provides down payment assistance towards the purchase price and closing costs of a manufactured home within a licensed mobile home park in the City of Arcata. CalHome program assistance is provided as a forgivable 20-year deferred payment loan at 1.5% simple interest. In order to qualify for a CalHome program loan, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicant household income must be at or below 80% of the County's area median income. Find limits by household size, effective May 1, 2024 here.
- Home must be located within a licensed mobilehome park within the Arcata city limits.
- Applicants must qualify for primary financing with another lender.
Complete details about the CalHome Mobilehome Ownership Program are available in the CalHome Mobilhome Ownership Guidelines. To learn more contact Nick Brichta at nbrichta@cityofarcata.org or 707-825-2168.
Affordable Housing Resources in Arcata
Click here for a list of Affordable Housing resources in Arcata.
Coordinated Entry System
People experiencing homelessness can connect with the Humboldt Housing & Homeless Coalition at six different agencies that are part of the Coordinated Entry System which assists with finding housing. Click here for the form.
Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance for Community Land Trust Acquisition Only Program
Limited financing is available for Community Land Trust homes which the City operates in cooperation with Humboldt Bay Housing Development Corporation. You may review the Program guidelines here. Contact us if you have questions.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
The City of Arcata's Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program is no longer accepting new applications.
This grant-funded program provides rental payment assistance to qualified low-income Arcata residents and/or households. Seniors (age 55 and up) and those experiencing homelessness will be prioritized.
For more information about the program, our guidelines can be found here.
Please contact Community Development Program Specialist Isaac West at (707) 825-2107 or iwest@cityofarcata.org with any TBRA inquiries.
Tenant Protection Act of 2019
The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 went into effect on January 1, 2020, and provides for two tenant protective measures:
- Limits Annual Rent Increases
- Requires "Just Cause" for Termination
To determine if the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 applies to your situation, visit Tenantprotections.org.
Mobilehome Rent Stabilization Ordinance
At the May 15, 2024, City Council meeting staff will introduce an amendment to the City's Mobilehome Rent Stabilization regulation. This amendment is very limited and will only remove the $10 minimum administration fee and replace it with a fee established in the Master Fee Schedule by resolution annually. This will allow the City to reduce the fee to $5 per month per affected mobilehome space. You can find a copy of the draft amendment to the Mobilehome Rent Stabilization regulations here.
The language of the proposed change is shown in the following strikethrough/double-underscore text:
B. Rent Stabilization Administration Fee: All or any portion of the costs to administer this Chapter may be collected by the imposition of an annual rent stabilization administration fee, which shall be at a minimum equal to $10.00 per Space per month as established in the Master Fee Schedule.
If you have questions or concerns about the proposed amendment, please reach out to Community Development Deputy Director, Jennifer Dart at 707-825-2112 or via e-mail at jdart@cityofarcata.org.
On Wednesday December 19, 2018, Ordinance No. 1487 amending Arcata mobilehome park regulations pertaining to space rent stabilization was heard by the City Council. More details can be found here.
Temporary Moratorium on the Closure or Conversion of All Mobilehome Parks
On May 1, 2019, the City Council adopted Interim Ordinance No. 1517, an Urgency Measure of the City Council of the City of Arcata Adopted as an Interim Ordinance Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on the Closure or Conversion of All Mobilehome Parks within the City of Arcata.
Housing Projects
Click here to find out more about housing projects the City is involved with. You can also find property management contact information.
Housing Element
Meeting the housing needs of Arcata residents as well as the City’s share of regional housing needs remains an important goal for the City of Arcata. As the population of the state continues to grow and pressure on resources increases, Arcata is concerned with providing adequate housing opportunities while maintaining a high standard of living for all citizens in the community.
Recognizing the importance of providing adequate housing, the State of California has mandated a Housing Element within every General Plan since 1969.
Substandard Housing
Do you rent a property that is substandard or uninhabitable? Find out how the City may be able to assist you with our booklet Substandard Housing - A Guide for Renters. Just click the link below.