California Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program Expands to Include Rental Properties in Second 2025 Registration Period

The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) has announced a groundbreaking expansion of its Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grant program, opening a second registration period for 2025 that for the first time includes rental and other non-owner-occupied residential properties. The registration period runs through October 1, 2025.

Historic Program Expansion

This marks a significant milestone for California's seismic safety efforts, as landlords and property owners can now apply for grants to retrofit older rental properties. The expansion comes after a highly successful first registration period in January 2025, which saw nearly 19,000 homeowners register for the program.

"Offering a second registration period this year is a valuable opportunity in helping us meet the strong demand we've seen for earthquake retrofit assistance," said Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer of the California Earthquake Authority. "By opening eligibility to include non-owner-occupied residential properties, we are helping ensure more of California's older homes, including rentals, can be strengthened against earthquake damage."

Grant Details and Eligibility

The program offers up to $3,000 in grants to help cover the cost of seismic retrofits for wood-framed homes built before 1980 with raised foundations. These retrofits involve bolting houses to their foundations and bracing crawl space walls - improvements that significantly reduce the risk of earthquake damage.

More than $20 million in grant funding is available statewide, covering over 1,100 eligible ZIP codes across California. This includes 303 ZIP codes that were added earlier in 2025, expanding the program's reach to new areas around Los Angeles County, Riverside, and San Diego.

Enhanced Support for Low-Income Households

Income-eligible homeowners can qualify for substantial additional support through supplemental grants. Households with annual incomes at or below $89,040 may receive up to $7,000 in additional funding, potentially covering up to 100% of retrofit costs. All grants are subject to meeting eligibility requirements and fund availability.

Program Impact and Success

Since its launch in 2013, the EBB program has demonstrated remarkable success in protecting California homes. More than 32,500 homeowners have received grant assistance for strengthening their properties against earthquake damage - a significant increase from the 23,000 assisted through 2024.

"Earthquake retrofits create a safer and more resilient California," said Tom Welsh, Chief Executive Officer of the California Earthquake Authority. "Expanding retrofit grants to rental properties means CRMP will provide even greater protection for California's housing stock and the families who call these properties 'home.' Each retrofit brings us one step closer to a better-prepared California."

The Critical Need

California faces an ongoing earthquake threat, with more than 1.2 million houses built before 1980 located in high-hazard areas vulnerable to collapse or destruction during strong earthquakes. Older homes are particularly at risk of sliding off their foundations during seismic events, making retrofits a crucial safety measure.

The timing of this expanded program is particularly poignant, coming more than 30 years after the devastating 1994 Northridge Earthquake, which caused an estimated $20 billion in damages and 57 deaths. That disaster led to the creation of the California Earthquake Authority in 1996 and ultimately to programs like EBB.

How Cathedral City Residents Can Apply

Cathedral City property owners can apply for retrofit grants at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com through October 1, 2025. The website provides comprehensive program information, helps you find trained California-licensed general contractors in our area, and confirms that ZIP code 92234 is eligible for the program.

Don't wait - this expanded program represents a valuable opportunity for our community to become more earthquake-resilient. Whether you own your home or rental property in Cathedral City, these grants can help protect your investment and keep our neighbors safe.

About Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) Established by the California Residential Mitigation Program, EBB offers up to $3,000 to help California property owners retrofit houses to reduce potential earthquake damage. A residential seismic retrofit makes a house more resistant to earthquake activity through foundation bolting and crawl space bracing. For more information, visit EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.

About the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) CRMP was established in 2011 to help Californians strengthen their homes against earthquake damage. CRMP is a joint powers authority created by the California Earthquake Authority and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. For more information, visit https://www.crmp.org/