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Rent Relief Programs

Last Updated: November 30, 2023 by Cameron Smith

Find out what rental relief assistance is available through nationwide programs as well as state and local programs.

National Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of rental assistance programs that are available on a national level.

Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)

The ERA is a program that was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to help support families who need financial assistance with their rental housing costs. The funds can be used for:

  • Trash removal
  • reasonable late fees
  • Moving expenses
  • Other related rental fees for families required to move

Requirements for the ERA include:

  • Valid agreement for paying rent on your apartment, house, mobile home, or other type of housing.
  • Qualified for unemployment, or should qualify
  • Lost income
  • Owed large expenses OR
  • Had other financial hardships
  • Household income is below a certain thresholds, established by each local government
  • At least one member of your household is experiencing instability, which means they are at risk of becoming homeless or would have trouble finding a place to live.

The ERA’s funds are distributed by state and local governments. You must apply through a local program, which can be found in the list of state and local programs below. Click here for more information about the ERA.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The LIHEAP assists families with their energy costs, including:

  • Home energy bills
  • Energy crises
  • Weatherization
  • Minor energy-related home repairs.

Requirements for the LIHEAP include:

  • Must require financial assistance with home energy costs
  • A person or a family member who participates in other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, and TANF, may be automatically eligible
  • Proof of identification
  • Proof of address
  • Recent utility bill
  • Copy of Social Security cards for all household members

The LIHEAP’s funds are distributed by state and local governments. You must apply through a local program, which can be found in the list of state and local programs below. Click here for more information about the LIHEAP.

Multifamily Housing Rental Assistance

This program provides payments to owners of USDA-financed rural rental housing or farm labor housing projects on behalf of low-income tenants unable to pay their full rent.

Requirements include:

  • Must be a project owner as part of the rural rental housing or farm labor housing new construction financing applications
  • Projects must be established on a nonprofit or limited-profit basis

In order to apply, multifamily housing owners must contact a regional director for the program.

Lifeline Support

The Lifeline Support Center provides up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services.

  • Income is 135% or less of than the federal poverty guidelines.
  • You or someone in your household participates in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA, or Veteran’s Pension and Survivor’s Benefit

To apply, click here .

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

The SSVF is a program to help veterans remain in their current homes, find more suitable housing, or help find housing if you are experiencing homelessness.

  • Be a veteran, or living in a family headed by a veteran or their spouse
  • Have a very low income
  • Be imminently at risk of becoming homeless

To apply, call the National Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET to find a local SSVF provider and make an appointment.

Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher

NED vouchers are for people under the age of 62 with a disability to help find and pay for rental housing.

  • Be the head, spouse, or co-head of a family
  • Be under the age of 62
  • Have a disability
  • Meet other NED eligibility requirements based on your income and where you live.

To apply, contact your local public housing agency to learn about local eligibility requirements .

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Housing choice vouchers allow you to find your own private housing and cover part or all of the rent.

  • Vouchers are for families with low incomes, seniors, and people with disabilities
  • Eligibility is determined by annual gross income and family size, and is dependent on where you live.

To apply, contact your local public housing agency to learn about local eligibility requirements.

Rent Relief Programs by State

The following is a list of relief programs for renters experiencing hardship.

Alabama Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Alabama rental relief programs:

Eligibility requirements for the City of Huntsville COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Currently experiencing a financial hardship
  • Income at or below 50% of area median income
  • Existing signed lease contract
  • Currently receiving some form of income
  • Valid photo ID
  • Working email address

Jefferson County

Eligibility requirements for the Jefferson County Alabama Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income
  • Be at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
  • Qualified for unemployment benefits
  • Experienced a reduction in household income
  • Incurred significant costs
  • Document a financial hardship

Mobile County

Eligibility  requirements for the Mobile County Treasury Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance:

  • Applicant has a household income at or below 80% of the area median income
  • Providing an eviction notice or past due utility or rent notice
  • Having housing costs equal to or in excess of 50% of income
  • Other compelling evidence that demonstrates risk
  • Qualify for unemployment
  • Have experienced a reduction in household income
  • Experienced other financial hardship

Eligibility requirements for the the Birmingham Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Have an eviction notice or past due utility bill
  • Experienced direct or indirect negative economic impact due to COVID-19 or other financial hardship

Baldwin, Escambia, Clarke, Monroe, Conecuh, Marengo and Wilcox Counties

Eligibility requirements for the LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program:

  • Proof of household income
  • Household’s Social Security cards
  • Most recent utility bill

Autauga, Chilton, Elmore and Shelby Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Assistance for LIHEAP Middle Alabama:

  • Provide proof of income for all current household members for the month prior to application. If a household member claims zero income that cannot be verified by a governmental agency, the Declaration of Household Income form must be completed
  • Furnish Social Security cards for all household members and photo ID for person applying
  • Furnish a recent heating/cooling bill which includes your customer account number. Bill must be in the name of the head of household or spouse

Cullman, Morgan, Lawrence, Marion, and Winston Counties

  • Copy of photo ID for head of household or spouse (person signing application)
  • Copy of income documentation for all household members for the entire prior calendar month
  • Current utility bill or propane quote (winter only), and/or current water bill with account number(s)
  • Copy of lease/utility allowance

Macon County

Eligibility requirements for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Must be facing eviction

Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall, St. Clair, and Jefferson Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Assistance for LIHEAP Northeast Alabama:

  • Photo ID of applicant
  • Social Security cards for all members of the household
  • Proof of income for the previous month for all adults over the age of 18 (if the applicant had no income source for the previous month, they will need to complete a Declaration of Household Income form)
  • Utility bill in the applicant’s name

Franklin, Colbert and Lauderdale Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Assistance for LIHEAP Northwest Alabama:

  • Applicant earn 150% or less of the poverty line
  • Low income household

Montgomery County

Eligibility requirements for the Montgomery Community LIHEAP:

  • Provide information so your local agency can determine if you are eligible for assistance
  • Provide proof of income for all current household members for the month prior to application. If a household member claims $0 income that cannot be verified by a governmental agency, the Declaration of Household Income form must be completed
  • Furnish Social Security cards for all household members and photo ID for the person applying
  • Furnish a recent heating/ cooling bill which includes your customer account number. Bill must be in the name of the head of household or spouse

Eligibility requirements for the Mobile Community Action Announces Cooling Program:

  • Current picture identification
  • Social Security cards for all household members (or current proof from Social Security showing that you have applied for replacement card)
  • Birth certificates for children ages five and under and any other new household members
  • Current income (previous month’s check stubs, 2023 Social Security income, Food Stamp Notice of Action letter, etc.) for all household members
  • Current bills (power, approved state water vendor, sewer, septic tank cleaning/pumping invoice
  • Current qualifying medications (last 6-month printout from the pharmacy) for crisis assistance (if applicable)

Eligibility requirements for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program:

  • At least one household member have a documented health problem and require a controlled environment

Huntsville, Madison and Limestone Counties

Eligibility requirements for LIHEAP Huntsville:

  • Monthly income documentation
  • Current picture ID
  • Your current utility bill
  • Crisis/Deposit – Target Sector Only

Eligibility requirements for the LIHEAP Macon:

  • Applicant’s household income must not exceed 150% of the federally established poverty level

Alaska Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Alaska rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Alaska Housing Relief Program:

  • A copy of your government-issued ID
  • Supporting income documents
  • A statement showing any past-due rent and a copy of your current lease agreement
  • Copies of past-due utility bills (if you requested utility relief)

Eligibility requirements for the Alaska Heating Assistance Program:

  • Income at or below 150% of the federal poverty income guidelines, who have a minimum of $200 in out-of-pocket heating costs per year
  • Copies of most recent heat and electricity bill(s)

Brevig Mission, Little Diomede, Elim, Gambell, Golovin, King Island, Koyuk, Mary’s Igloo, Savoonga, Shaktoolik, Shishmaref, Solomon, Stebbins, St. Michael, Teller, Unalakleet, Wales and White Mountain Counties

Eligibility requirements for the  Bering Straits Regional Housing Authority Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Qualifies for or is currently receiving unemployment benefits
  • Has been or is currently unemployed
  • Has lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Has incurred significant costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Has directly or indirectly experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Arizona Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Arizona rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Arizona Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • The renter’s household income is less than or equal to 80% of the Area Median Income 
  • The renter or member of the renter’s household has been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Eviction notice
  • Utility shutoff notice
  • Past due rent notice
  • Past due utility notice
  • Any other evidence of unsafe or unhealthy living conditions or housing instability

Eligibility requirements for the Arizona LIHEAP:

  • Copy of current utility bill
  • Disconnection notice
  • Proof of income
  • Failure to provide the required documentation may delay eligibility determination

Maricopa County

Eligibility requirements for the Crisis Assistance Programs:

  • A member of the household has had a financial hardship or has qualified for unemployment
  • There is a demonstrated risk of housing instability or potential for homelessness
  • The gross household income cannot exceed 80% of the area median income based on household size
  • Applicants who are at or below 50% of the area median income, have been unemployed for the previous 90 days, have received a notice to appear in court for eviction for non-payment of rent, or are experiencing homelessness will automatically be prioritized for service

Eligibility requirements for the Maricopa County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Household lives in Maricopa County, but not in the cities of Glendale, Mesa, and Phoenix
  • Since March 13 2020, a household member has qualified for Unemployment Insurance from the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) or the household is experiencing financial hardship
  • Household demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
  • Household is living at or below 80% of the area median income

Eligibility requirements for the Phoenix City Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program:

  • Income at or below 80% of Area ​​​Median Income or $74,800 for a family of 4
  • Qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in income or other financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Demonstrating risk of homelessness or housing instability
  • Rent and utility bills incurred after March 13, 2020​

Tucson and Pima Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention/Emergency Rent and Utility Relief Program:

  • Applicant’s state-issued picture ID
  • Applicant’s proof of U.S. Citizenship
  • Permanent legal residence
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Birth certificates for children 17 and under
  • Proof of all household income for the past 30 days
  • Current utility bills (electric, gas, water)

Arkansas Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Arkansas rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Arkansas Household Water Assistance Program:

  • Social Security card all household members age 18 or older
  • Social Security numbers
  • Copies of your most recent utility bills
  • Proof of residency

Eligibility requirements for the Arkansas Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program:

  • Legal Photo ID
  • Social Security cards and birth dates for all household members
  • Proof of income received for the previous month for all household members
  • If job has been lost in the previous two months, a statement from employer is required

Eligibility requirements for the ARVAC LIHWAP Closure:

  • Proof of identity
  • Social Security card
  • Copies of most recent water utility bills
  • Lease agreement (if water is included in your rent)

Eligibility requirements for the Arkansas Emergency Food Assistance Program:

  • Both electric bill and gas/propane bill

Eligibility requirements for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):

  • Copies of your current electric, gas, or propane bill, and any shut-off notices
  • Social Security numbers for all household members, regardless of age
  • ​Social Security cards required for applicants 18+ years of age
  • Numbers required for all other individuals in the household
  • Proof of identification for adult household members.
  • Proof of income for all household members 18 years or older for the previous month
  • Proof of unemployment for all household members 18 years of older.
  • Proof of Social Security, Retirement, Pensions, Workman’s Comp, or Disability
  • Proof of Child Support

Eligibility requirements for the Arkansas LIHEAP:

  • Proof of all income for all household members for the previous month
  • Copy of the upper portion of electric bill and propane/gas bill
  • If your household was a zero-income household for the previous month, other documentation will be required

Eligibility requirements for the Our Healthy Communities Energy Assistance Program:

  • Utility bills
  • ID and Social Security cards

Eligibility requirements for the ARVAC Summer LIHEAP:

  • Social Security information
  • Lease agreement

Eligibility requirements for the Central Arkansas LIHEAP:

  • Based on both 60% of state median income and 150% of federal poverty guidelines

Eligibility requirements for the the LIHEAP Program:

  • Social Security card (household members age 18 or older)
  • Social Security numbers (household minors)
  • Proof of residency (current utility bills provide proof)

Eligibility requirements for the Li-Heap Summer Program:

  • Be responsible for payment of home energy bill
  • Must be U.S. citizens or legal resident non-citizens
  • Meet countable resource standard
  • Meet federal income guidelines

Eligibility requirements for the Arkansas Weatherization LIHEAP:

Clay, Randolph and Lawrence Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Black River Area Development LIHEAP:

  • Must meet eligibility requirements for home energy costs
  • Must have a monthly household (before taxes)
  • Proof of income for yourself and for anyone 18 or older
  • Proof of Social Security, SSI, Retirement, and/or VA benefits, if received
  • Proof of unemployment benefits if have not been working for 6 months or longer

Washington County

Eligibility requirements for the Economic Opportunity Agency of Washington County LIHEAP:

  • Legal photo ID
  • If you have lost your job within the previous two months, we will need a statement from your employer

Arkansas, Cleveland, Grant, Jefferson and Lincoln Counties

Eligibility requirements for the The LIHEAP Summer Program:

  • Proof of income for yourself
  • Proof of unemployment benefits
  • Most recent utility bill(s)
  • Picture ID and social security cards

Eligibility requirements for the Central Delta Community Action Agency:

  • Below 125% of the federal poverty line as determined by the federal OMB

Eligibility requirements for the Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council Li-Heap:

  • Responsible for payment of home energy bill
  • Members of the household must be U.S. citizens or legal resident non-citizens
  • Meet countable resource standard including cash, checking or savings accounts, certificates of deposits, cryptocurrency, stocks, or bonds
  • Meet Federal Income Guidelines that vary according to household size
  • Copies of both your electric bill and gas bill
  • Proof on income for the previous month

California Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of California rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Fresno Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • One or more individuals within the household experienced other financial hardship during or due, directly or indirectly, to COVID-19 or demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability or household is a low-income family
  • Tenant must document that they are past-due on payments for rent and/or utilities, or need help with future rental assistance
  • Tenant/household is income-eligible at no more than 80% of area median income or participate in a low-income verified local, state or federal program (ex. Medi-Cal, SNAP, WIC, etc.)
  • Income-eligible applicants may qualify regardless of immigration status and will not be required to show proof of citizenship

Fresno County

Eligibility requirements for the Fresno County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Tenants residing in Fresno County Islands within City of Fresno limits are eligible
  • Tenants will not asked about their citizenship nor will they be required to show proof of citizenship
  • Inability to pay rent must be related to COVID-19 hardship

Marin County

Eligibility requirements for the North Marin Community Services Emergency Rental & Financial Assistance :

  • Be a resident of Novato
  • One-time financial support to those who are at risk of losing their stable housing or who need help with securing a deposit for housing.
  • To find out how you may be elgible for Rental Assistance, contact their Administrative Coordinator at   415-897-4147  or  [email protected] .

Sacramento County

Eligibility requirements for the Sacramento Emergency Rental Assistance (SERA) Program:

  • Applicants must currently rent their home anywhere in the County of Sacramento.
  • 1 person – $56,750
  • 2 person – $64,850
  • 3 person – $72,950
  • 4 person – $81,050
  • 5 person – $87,550
  • 6 person – $94, 050
  • 7 person – $100,550
  • 8 person – $107,000
  • Is qualified for unemployment benefits,   or
  • Has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced a financial hardship during COVID-19
  • Demonstrate housing instability or a risk of being unhoused.

Eligibility requirements for the City of Riverside Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program:

  • Household’s income cannot exceed 80% of the Riverside County’s income limit
  • Financially impacted by COVID-19

Los Angeles

Eligibility requirements for the United Los Angeles Emergency Renters Assistance Program:

  • To verify if you live in the City of Los Angeles, go to neighborhoodla.org.
  • One or more individuals within the household have experienced a loss of employment
  • Reduction in household income
  • Experienced other financial hardship between March 2020 and now
  • Have unpaid rent due to their current landlord for any month(s) between April 1, 2020, through now
  • The current household income is at or below 80% of the area median income

Eligibility requirements for the LA Rental Assistance Program:

  • Head of household identifies as a woman.
  • Must file taxes as Head of Household
  • Have dependents of any age living in the same household
  • Lived in their homes for a minimum of three months
  • Has received or anticipate receiving a pay or quit notice from landlord or management company.
  • Demonstrate family is facing an unexpected financial hardship that is preventing them from paying rent and have a plan to maintain housing after assistance.
  • Live in one of the four designated zip codes of 90004, 90028, 90029, or 90038.

Eligibility requirements for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance ​Program:

  • Pay your heating or cooling bills, even if you use wood, propane, or oil
  • In an emergency or energy crisis, such as a utility disconnection
  • LIHEAP services can vary depending on income, household size, place of residence, and other factors

Eligibility requirements for the The Home Energy Assistance Program:

  • A current original electric bill
  • A current original gas bill
  • Copies of all household income for the past 30 days for all adults 18 years or older
  • Signed affidavits for all household members age 18 or older who do not have any source of income
  • A copy of your valid California driver’s license or other valid California picture ID
  • Applicant’s Social Security number

San Bernardino

  • Pay your heating or cooling bills, even if you use wood, propane, or oil.
  • In an emergency or energy crisis, such as a utility disconnection.

Colorado Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Colorado rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for Colorado’s Weatherization Assistance Program:

  • Public assistance benefit letter (if anyone living in your home receives public assistance)
  • Energy provider account number
  • Income verification for the past 3 months
  • For renters, landlord must complete the consent agreement 

Arapahoe County

Eligibility requirements for Arapahoe County Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance:

  • Earn less than 80% of the area median income
  • Legally present in the United States
  • IDs for everyone in household
  • Income verification for all working members (proof of Human Services Benefits such as SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid may be substituted)
  • Fill out self-attestation form if unable to provide proof of income

Eligibility requirements for the Arapahoe County rent assistance:

  • Households that are applying for the first time
  • Households with income less than 50% of area median income
  • All other households at risk of housing instability

Douglas County

Eligibility requirements for the Douglas County Emergency Rental Assistance:

  • Must be a renter with a valid lease
  • Received a 10-day notice
  • Demand for payment of rent 
  • Received a utility shut-off notice
  • demand for payment of rent
  • utility shut-off notice

Larimer County

Eligibility requirements for the Larimer County Emergency Rent Assistance Program:

  • Identification/government issued ID for primary applicant
  • Income information showing applicant name and address
  • Current utility bill or other official business mail addressed to applicant at the address
  • Unemployment benefits letter and/or unemployment benefits statement(s), if you are collecting unemployment
  • Income documentation for all household members 18 years of age or above and children who have income

Eligibility requirements for the Jefferson County Emergency Assistance COVID-19:

  • A household has not used 18 months of ERAP assistance
  • Households are under 50% area median income
  • Households must have current eviction notice and/or court date
  • Household must have a current lease
  • A household’s landlord/property management company must work with the program
  • Documentation of cost

Denver County

Eligibility requirements for the Temporary Rent and Utility Assistance:

  • The property you are requesting assistance for is your primary residence and is in the City and County of Denver
  • The tenant or homeowner’s household income is at or below 80% of area median income
  • You have experienced an unexpected financial hardship

Adams County

Eligibility requirements for the ACCESS Housing:

  • Documentation of resident
  • Proof of income.

Connecticut Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Connecticut rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the UniteCT:

  • The household must have an annual gross income of less than 80% of the annual median income. Further income restrictions apply if the tenant previously maxed out on UniteCT rental assistance.
  • Applicant must have a pending eviction as evidenced by the filing of a Summons located on the   Superior Court Case Look-up website at the time the application is created
  • The tenant must currently live under the same address that is stated on their Summons & Complaint
  • Tenant must provide evidence of nonpayment of rent

Eligibility requirements for the Connecticut Rental Assistance Program:

  • Participation is limited to U. S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status
  • The family’s income may not exceed 50 percent of the annual median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live

Eligibility requirements for the Emergency Rental Assistance for Connecticut’s Economy:

  • Financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Earn no more than 80% of HUD’s area median income

Delaware Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Delaware rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Catholic Charities:

  • Photo ID for all adults
  • Social Security cards for all household members over 6 months of age
  • Proof of US citizenship
  • Proof of Delaware residency
  • Proof of unemployment compensation or child support
  • Proof of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Current natural gas, propane, and/or electric bill with current address and account number
  • Proof of home ownership
  • Proof of renter status

Florida Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Florida rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Alachua County

Eligibility requirements for the Alachua County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Responsible for paying rent for a residential dwelling unit in Alachua County
  • Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income due to COVID-19
  • Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
  • Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median

Broward County

Eligibility requirements for the Broward County Rental Assistance Program:

  • You are unable to pay your full rent during or as a result of a COVID-19 caused financial hardship
  • You have received valid notice of a rent increase that you are unable to pay
  • You are able to demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability (including eviction notice, utility shutoff notice, past due rent notice, past due utility notice, or any other evidence of unsafe or unhealthy living conditions or housing stability)
  • You have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income

Hialeah City

Eligibility requirements for the Hialeah City Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • You are a US Citizen or permanent resident
  • You experienced a reduction in household income or an increase in household expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • 1 person – $34,150
  • 2 people – $39,000
  • 3 people – $43,900
  • 4 people – $48,750
  • 5 people – $52,650
  • 6 people – $56,550
  • 7 people – $60,450
  • 8 people – $64,350

Orange County

Eligibility requirements for the Orange County Emergency Rental Assistance:

  • Behind on rent  or have received an unforeseen rental increase of 10% or more
  • Household income does not exceed 80 percent of area median income
  • Experienced a significant reduction in income or increase in costs due to OVID-19  or     an adult household member experienced a recent financial hardship that can be verified as the direct cause for the household falling behind on rent
  • Are experiencing housing instability
  • Have not previously applied

Palm Beach County

Eligibility requirements for the Palm Beach County Rental Assistance:

  • Total household income at or below 60% of the state median income or 150% of the federal poverty level.

Polk County

Eligibility requirements for the Polk County Eviction Prevention Program:

  • Experienced reduced household income due to COVID-19
  • Experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19
  • At risk of being homeless (have received an eviction notice, utility shutoff notice, past due rent notice, or past due utility notice)

Hillsborough and Tampa Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Hillsborough County Rapid Response Recovery Assistance Program (R3):

  • Income no more than 80% of area median income
  • Risk experiencing homelessness or housing instability

Georgia Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Georgia rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Fulton County

Eligibility requirements for the Atlanta LIHWAP Program:  

  • Current water bill (Must show your name, full address, account number, and amount due)
  • Proof of income for the last 30 days for all occupants over 18 years old
  • Valid photo ID (driver’s license, permanent resident card, passport, etc.)

DeKalb County

Eligibility requirements for the DeKalb Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition:

  • Family of one: $46,350
  • Family of two: $52,950
  • Family of three: $59,550
  • Family of four: $66,150

Henry County

Eligibility requirements for the Henry County COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Fund:

  • Place of residence must be a rental property, single or multi-family home, or mobile home lot, or hotel/motel
  • Show that you are unable to pay the full or a portion of past due rent and/or utilities or unable to pay security deposit as a result of a recent loss of income (job loss, furlough, reduced work hours to care for child(ren), or medical hospitalization/diagnosis of COVID-19)
  • Qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a loss of income as a result of COVID-19
  • At risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
  • Current executed lease (signed by both you and the property official/landlord) and, as the applicant, be listed on the lease agreement (unless applying for security deposit assistance – provide welcome/move-in letter)
  • Current household income after March 13, 2020 must be equal to or less than 80% area median income as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development

Fulton County and Atlanta

Eligibility requirements for the  LIHEAP Heating Program:

  • Current gas bill and electric bill (Must show name, full address, account number, and amount due)

Eligibility requirements for the Augusta LIHEAP Program:

  • Certified birth certificate
  • Updated immunization records
  • Verification of income
  • Medicaid card
  • Head Start application

Cartersville

Eligibility requirements for the Cartersville LIHEAP Program:

  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Social Security cards for ALL household members
  • Proof of income for the 30-days, including students
  • Current electric bill
  • Current heating bill
  • Current water bill

Muscogee County

Eligibility requirements for the Energy Assistance In Muscogee County:

  • Proof of income for the past 30 days for all adults
  • Current proof of citizenship or legal immigrant status, state-issued picture identification (ID) such as: driver’s license, ID card, voter registration card, passport, military ID, etc., for each person 18 or older.
  • Proof of Social Security numbers for each person in the household
  • Last/current month’s electric, gas/propane, and water bill for the household if applicable
  • If receiving SSI, Social Security, Pension, VA Benefits, or Workers Compensation, the current year’s award letter

Gwinnett, Rockdale, Newton and Walton Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Decatur Utility Assistance

  • Proof of income for the last 30 days for all household members 18 and older
  • Current gas bill

Eligibility requirements for the Middle Georgia Utility Assistance:  

  • Home improvements and energy conservation measures
  • Installation of attic insulation, broken window repair, air sealing using caulk, water heater replacement and/or wrap, the replacement of light bulbs with more efficient varieties, and more.
  • Health and safety surveys.

Eligibility requirements for the Jasper LIHEAP Program:

  • Most recent heating bill
  • Most recent electric bill
  • Proof of a valid Social Security number
  • Driver’s license or valid photo ID
  • Documentation proving alien status to your county

Eligibility requirements for the CAFI Energy Assistance:

  • Photo ID for all household members over 18
  • Social Security Number for all household members
  • Proof of income for all household members 18 and over for a month prior to your application
  • Copy of your most recent gas and/or light bill

Macon-Bibb County

Eligibility requirements for the Macon Energy Assistance:

  • Valid Picture ID
  • Current electric and gas bills
  • Proof of income for all adults 18 years and older

Baldwin, Greene, Hancock, Jasper, Johnson, Morgan, Putnam, Washington, and Wilkinson Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Milledgeville Energy Assistance:

  • Make less money than the poverty guideline amounts

Eligibility requirements for Georgia’s Low Income Household Water Assistance Program:

  • Most recent active water bill or statement of service from their household water supplier
  • Proof of income for the last 30 days for each adult household member
  • Proof of Social Security numbers for each household member
  • Proof of citizenship for each household member
  • Proof of Social Security or unemployment benefits for all household members

Eligibility requirements for the Waycross Energy Assistance Program:

  • Valid ID for applicant
  • Social Security card(s) for all household members
  • Most recent electric bill, heating bill if home is heated with source other than electricity

Hawaii Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Hawaii rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Rent Relief Program:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Prove one or more members of household has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or other financial hardship due to COVID-19
  • Demonstrate imminent risk of homelessness or housing instability, unsafe or unhealthy living conditions, or any other evidence of such risk
  • Earn less than 80% area median income

Eligibility requirements for the State of Hawaii Emergency Rental Assistance:  

  • One or more individuals in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits
  • One or more individuals in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Idaho Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Idaho rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s Housing Preservation Application:

  • A copy of your lease agreement
  • A rent delinquency notice or your past-due utility bill
  • A signed copy of this eligibility form
  • A signed copy of this release form
  • Basic information about each household member
  • An electronic copy of a government-issued ID

Eligibility requirements for the Idaho ENERGY ASSISTANCE:

  • Name & birth dates for all household members
  • Social Security number/verification of US citizenship, US nationality, legal permanent residency, or qualified alien status for all household members
  • Provide gross income for all household members
  • Provide proof of current address
  • For energy assistance: electricity vendor name & account number (electricity/utility bill)
  • For water assistance: primary provider & account number (water & wastewater bill)

Eligibility requirements for the Washington Heating Assistance:

  • Verification of US Citizenship
  • Proof of Social Security number for all household members
  • Proof of utility account service, such as a utility bill
  • Proof of address, such as: mortgage statement, or lease agreement
  • Proof of income for the 3 months prior to the date you apply

Adams, Boise, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Western Idaho LIHEAP:

  • Names and birthdates for all household members
  • Social Security numbers for at least one household members
  • Heating energy vendor name and account number
  • Electricity vendor name and account number
  • Verification of service address
  • Verification of previous months income
  • Completed and signed online application

Elmore and Ada Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program:

  • 60% of the state median income
  • 150% of the poverty income guidelines
  • Submit a copy of their utility bill
  • Provide information about each member of their household

Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida and Power Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Southeastern Idaho LIHEAP:

  • Name, address, phone number, Social Security umber, and email address
  • Names/birthdates for all household members
  • Heating energy vendor name/account number
  • Electric vendor name/account number/service agreement number
  • Verification of residence address
  • Income verification for the previous month

Blaine, Camas, Gooding, Lincoln, Jerome, Cassia, Minidoka and Twin Falls Counties

Eligibility requirements for the South Central Idaho LIHEAP:

  • Prior months’ income for entire the household
  • Your latest heating bill with account number and address
  • Your latest electric bill with account number and address

Illinois Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Illinois rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Illinois LIHEAP Program:

  • Household’s combined income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty line using state funds
  • Household’s combined income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level using DOE and HHS funding.

Indiana Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Indiana rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Marion and Hamilton Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance (IERA) Program :

  • Experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Have an active eviction with a court case number and filing date
  • Must be a household at or below 80% of the AMI
  • The AMI values for this program can be found in table

Iowa Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Iowa rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship.

Eligibility requirements for the Iowa Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program:

  • Household income must be at or below 200% of the 2022 federal poverty guidelines

Des Moines, Henry, Lee and Louisa Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Southeast Iowa LIHWAP:

  • 30 days documentation of ALL household income for all adults in the household
  • Proof of Social Security numbers of all household members
  • Birth dates for all household members

Benton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Hawkeye Area LIHWAP:

  • Gas, electricity, or LP under 30 percent from April 1st through September 30th
  • Identification
  • Heating Bill
  • Electric Bill
  • Utility Authorization Release

Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk and Warren Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Iowa LIHWAP:

  • Proof of Social Security Numbers for all household members
  • Proof of income for all household members

Adair, Adams, Taylor and Union Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Iowa Emergency Assistance programs:

  • Proof of income for the past
  • 30 days or your most recent income tax return
  • Recent heat bill
  • Recent electric bill
  • Birthdates of all household members.
  • Proof of Social Security numbers

Cherokee, Ida, Lyon, Plymouth and Sioux Counties

Eligibility requirements for the LiHEAP Mid-Sioux:

  • Earn less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines
  • Owners and renters both qualify

Butler, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Kossuth, Mitchell, Winnebago and Worth Counties

Eligibility requirements for the North Iowa LiHEAP:

Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Northeast Iowa LiHEAP:

  • Recent copies of utility bills
  • Social Security cards for all persons living in your household
  • Final utility termination notice
  • Proof of gross income for the past 30 days

Black Hawk, Buchanan and Grundy Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Iowa LIHEAP:

  • Must have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
  • Have a disconnect notice, delinquent notice, or be unable to make a pay agreement
  • U.S. Citizen or legal resident
  • Water company must have agreed to participate in the LIHWAP program

Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Monroe and Wayne Counties

Eligibility requirements for the South Central Iowa Utility Bill Assistance:

  • Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members

Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Mahaska, Wapello and Van Buren Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Southern Iowa Energy Assistance:

Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmett, Hamilton, Humboldt, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Webster and Wright Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Iowa Energy Assistance:

  • Proof of identity for everyone living in the home
  • Gas, electric and/or water utility bills
  • Proof of income for every adult living in the home
  • Income from the past 30 days

Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby Counties

Eligibility requirements for the West Central Iowa Energy Assistance:

  • Most recent heat bill

Kansas Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Kansas rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Ellis County

Eligibility requirements for Rental Assistance for residents of Ellis County:

  • Applicants are in need of housing
  • Applicants are families, couples, or single women
  • Must be 18 or older
  • Adult applicants must be clear of any illegal or controlled substances and have no alcohol in their system
  • Have no felony convictions involving violence or sexual offenses
  • Couples with a child or children must have the equivalent of 40 hours of employment
  • Adult applicants must be able to complete activities of daily living, and be able to care for themselves and children (if any)

Kansas City

Eligibility requirements for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program:

  • An adult living at the address must be personally responsible for paying the heating costs incurred at the current residence
  • Applicants must demonstrate a recent history of payments toward purchase of the primary heating energy
  • Gross household income may not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level

Kentucky Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Kentucky rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Louisville Rental Assistance/Eviction Prevention:

  • Earn at or below 80% of the area median income
  • Proof of homelessness
  • Proof of disability (for some programs)

Clay, Jackson, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Tenant Based Rental Assistance:

  • Must be homeless or being evicted from current place of dwelling
  • Must have a source of income to be able to pay rent and utilities after moving into the residence
  • Must meet the income guidelines for the program
  • Must not have moved into the residence prior to receiving help from Daniel Boone CAA, Inc.
  • Residence must pass HQS inspection

Eligibility requirements for the The HOME TBRA Program:

  • Earn at or below 80 percent of the area median income

Louisiana Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Louisiana rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Energy Assistance Program:

  • Utility bills for heating and cooling no older than 30 days
  • Previous 30 days for all household employment
  • Proof of unearned income
  • Disconnect or pending disconnection notice
  • Proof of present address
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Social Security cards

Calcasieu Parish

Eligibility requirements for the Calcasieu Parish Emergency Rental Assistance Program:  

  • Must not have history of any prior ERAP assistance
  • Earn less than 80 percent of the area median income
  • Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability

Eligibility requirements for the Lafayette Parish Emergency Rental Assistance:

  • Past-due rent or utility bills
  • Household income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income

New Orleans

Eligibility requirements for the New Orleans Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Valid State ID or passport
  • Proof of residency (lease/utility bill)
  • HANO worksheet

St. Tammany Parish

Eligibility requirements for the St. Tammany Rental Assistance Program:

  • Income at or below 80 percent of the area median income
  • Reduction in household income or incurred significant costs
  • Experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19

Baton Rouge

Eligibility requirements for the East Baton Rouge Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Income documentation
  • Proof of occupancy
  • Proof of obligation to pay rent
  • Proof of current housing instability

Eligibility requirements for the The Calcasieu Parish Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Experiencing financial distress
  • Proof of financial distress
  • A lease or rental agreement
  • Valid identification for all adult members of household
  • Ledger or past due notice for rent

East Baton Rouge

Eligibility requirements for the Baton Rouge Emergency Rental Assistance:

  • Photo identification

Eligibility requirements for the City Of New Orleans COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program:

  • Valid state ID or passport
  • Proof of residency (lease, utility bill, etc.)

St. Tammany

Eligibility requirements for the St Tammany Rental Assistance Program:

  • Reduction in household income, incurred significant costs

Maryland Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Maryland rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Maryland Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Annual income at or below 50% of the area median income
  • Valid current lease identification
  • Income verification
  • Tenant certification
  • Tenant worksheet

Eligibility requirements for the The Strategic Targeted Eviction Prevention (STEP) Program:

  • Must be below 80% of the area median income
  • Must have suffered a hardship
  • 3 or more months behind on rent 

Eligibility requirements for the Arundel Community Development Services Eviction Prevention Program (EPP):

  • Verification of household income
  • Rental/lease agreement or sublease
  • Photo identification for all adult members of household
  • Evidence of income loss due to or during the COVID-19 public health emergency

Eligibility requirements for the Carroll Rental Assistance Program:

  • Household’s income may not exceed 50% of the area median income

Charles County

Eligibility requirements for the Charles County Eviction Assistance Grants:

  • Have a potential for or already be facing eviction
  • Not live in federally subsidized housing
  • Have lost some or all of income due to COVID-19
  • Have income below 80% of HUD’s median income

Kent and Caroline Counties

  • Copy of photo ID
  • Copy of lease or alternative documentation
  • Documentation of household income
  • Documentation of housing instability and overdue payments
  • Documentation of relocation or new unit expenses if requesting assistance for other housing-related costs

Prince George

Eligibility requirements for the Prince George’s County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Copies of delinquent utility bills
  • Copy of landlord signed W-9 Form
  • Landlord Rental Assistance Agreement
  • Rent ledger

Wicomico County

Eligibility requirements for the Wicomico County ERAP Program:

  • Tenant obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling
  • Household income at or below 80% of area median income
  • 1 or more individuals qualified for unemployment assistance
  • Experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, have a past due utility or rent notice, or have eviction notice
  • Unsafe or unhealthy living conditions
  • Any other evidence of such risk, as determined by DHCD

Massachusetts Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Massachusetts rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Massachusetts Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • ID for head of household
  • Proof of current housing
  • Verification of housing crisis

Eligibility requirements for the City of Boston’s Rental Relief Fund:

  • Households earning less than 50% of AMI

Michigan Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Michigan rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship.

Eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Program:

  • Household income is below 80% AMI
  • Have experienced an eligible COVID-19 hardship
  • Household can demonstrate risk of experiencing homelessness
  • Copy of past-due rent notice
  • Copy of state ID or passport
  • Most current copy of lease agreement in tenant’s name
  • Provide all proof of earned
  • Copy of utility statements
  • Copy of internet bill/statement

Eligibility requirements for the Michigan Energy & Weatherization:

  • Household income being at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines

Minnesota Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Minnesota rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

East Central Minnesota

Eligibility requirements for the East Central Minnesota Emergency Housing Assistance:

  • Proof of income for all adults
  • If you are currently homeless or searching for a new place to live, provide a copy of the new rental agreement when housing is found
  • Documentation of your emergency (late rent or mortgage notice)

Eligibility requirements for the East Central Minnesota Energy Assistance:

  • Households whose gross income is at or below 60% of the state median income for the most recent three month period

Hennepin County

Eligibility requirements for the Hennepin County Emergency Rental Assistance:

  • Does not receive a rental subsidy, such as an MPHA or Section 8 subsidy
  • Have household income at or below Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
  • Have a denial letter from Hennepin County Emergency Assistance or other rental assistance provider if seeking security deposit assistance .

Eligibility requirements for the Hennepin County Energy Assistance & Water Assistance:

  • Gross 3-month household income must be between $7,643 – $20,724 depending on the household size.

Itasca and Koochiching Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Itasca and Koochiching Counties Crisis Rent Assistance Program:

  • Household income verification for the last 30 days
  • Third-party verification of homelessness (if applicable)
  • Eviction letter (if applicable)
  • Verification of crisis (medical, job loss, repair receipts, etc.)
  • Verification of any funds paid toward the crisis

Anòka County

Eligibility requirements for the Anòka County Energy Assistance program:

  • Proof of all gross income received by all people in household in the last 3 full calendar months before the month you sign your application.

Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties, including the City of Duluth, and Grand Portage Reservation

Eligibility requirements for the Northeast Minnesota Energy Assistance Program:

  • Gross 3-months household income must be between $9,171 – $24,869 depending on the household size.

Northwest Minnesota

Eligibility requirements for the Northwest Minnesota Energy Assistance Program:

  • Eligibility for Energy Assistance is calculated based on your income (income before taxes and other deductions) for a three-month period and the number of people in your household.

Scott and Carver Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Scott and Carver Counties Energy Assistance:

  • Annual Income must be between $32,667 – $82,925 depending on the household size

Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca and Watonwan Counties

Eligibility requirements for the Southeast Minnesota Water Bills Energy Assistance:

  • Gross 3-month income must be between $9,171 – $24,340 depending on the household size

Eligibility requirements for the Southeast Minnesota Energy Assistance Program:

  • Annual income must be between $36,687 – $122,760 depending on the household size

Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Redwood, and Renville Counties

Eligibility requirements for the UCAP’s Energy Assistance:

  • Gross 3-month income must be between $9,171 – $24,869 depending on the household size

Ramsey and Washington County

Eligibility requirements for the Ramsey and Washington County Energy Assistance:

  • 3-month gross household income must be between $9,171 – $24,340 depending on the household size

Ramsey County

Eligibility requirements for the Ramsey County Emergency Assistance:

  • Have not received EA/EGA help in the last 12 months.
  • Income is less than 200% of the federal poverty guideline for household size
  • Do not have enough resources to resolve your crisis
  • Have enough income to pay bills moving forward

Eligibility requirements for the Washington County Emergency Assistance Program:

  • Has income below 200% of the federal poverty guideline
  • Has enough income to afford their basic need expenses for at least the next two calendar months
  • Does not have available resources to take care of their own emergency

Chippewa, Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Swift and Yellow Medicine Counties

Eligibility requirements for the West Central Minnesota Energy Assistance Program:

  • Gross 3-month income must be between $9,171 – $122,760 depending on the household size

Clay, Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin Counties

  • Eligibility and awards are based on income, household size, and fuel cost

Wright County

Eligibility requirements for the Wright County Energy Assistance Program:  

  • 3-month gross household income must be between $9,171 – $30,690 depending on the household size

Missouri Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Missouri rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Greene County

Eligibility requirements for the Voluntary Action Center :

  • VAC understands that sometimes individuals may need some help with rent due to unforeseen/emergency circumstances.
  • VAC receives funding to provide rent assistance for those who may need it. Assistance ranges from one month to several months depending on the grants and eligibility. We do not provide utility assistance.
  • Rent assistance, please contact the VAC office at 573.874.2273 for eligibility.

Mississippi Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Mississippi  rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Mississippi Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program:

  • Home Energy bills
  • Energy Crisis (emergency)
  • Weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs,(natural gas, wood, electricity, liquid propane/butane gas and other energy-related services)
  • Individuals must be within 60 percent of the current State Median Income Poverty Guidelines

Montana Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Montana rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Low Income Home Energy, Water and Weatherization Assistance Programs:

  • Household annual income must be between $28,136 – $119,505, depending on the household size

Prince George’s County

Eligibility requirements for the Prince George’s County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP):

  • Must be scheduled by the Sheriff for eviction, or there must be an active Warrant for Possession that would allow the Sheriff to evict, or renter received a court summons or court judgement.
  • Faced a financial hardship arising because of or during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Nebraska Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Nebraska rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the LIHEAP and CSBG Program:

  • Household annual income must be between $20,385 – $69,945 depending on the household size

Eligibility requirements for the Douglas County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Suffered a financial hardship due to COVID-19
  • Experiencing a risk of homelessness or housing instability (includes having a past due rent or utility bill)

Lancaster County

Eligibility requirements for the Lancaster County Emergency Relief Assistance Program:

  • Has had a loss of income due to COVID-19
  • Have unpaid rent balance that began on or after March 13, 2020
  • Must not duplicate other federal, state, or local assistance

New Jersey Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of New Jersey rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Hudson County

Eligibility requirements for the Hudson County CARES II Eviction Prevention:

  • Must have received a summons for eviction or notice from the landlord that rent is owed
  • Financial hardship must have been caused during March 2020 through August 2021
  • Annual household income must not exceed 80% of the area median income

Jersey City

Eligibility requirements for the Jersey City COVID-19 Rent Relief Program:

  • Income loss due to COVID-19
  • Rent owed since April 2020-November 2022
  • Incurred significant pandemic-induced cost or financial hardship
  • Have not previously received the full $10,000 from a past application to this program

Mercer County

Eligibility requirements for the Mercer County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Experienced a reduction in income
  • Suffered major costs directly or indirectly related to COVID-19
  • Demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability
  • Household’s income must be at or below 80% of the area median income

New Mexico Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of New Mexico rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

  • Income no more than 150% of the federal poverty line
  • Annual household income must be between $20,385 – $69,945 depending on the household size

Bernalillo County

Eligibility requirements for the Bernalillo County Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance:

  • Had a financial impact during the COVID-19 pandemic that has made it difficult to pay rent
  • Currently be on a lease, or have a commitment to sign a lease and not be recipients of other federally subsidized rental assistance programs (such as Section 8 or Project-Based Voucher assistance, a Housing Choice Voucher, or Public Housing)
  • Not be a full-time student whose rent is paid by someone else
  • Have documentation that shows the household’s current total gross household income is less than 80% of the median family income

Doña Ana County

Eligibility requirements for the Doña Ana County Emergency Rent & Utilities Assistance Program:

  • Household income must be less than 50% of the area median income
  • Have been unemployed for more than 90 days, are facing eviction, or have had utilities shut off

New York Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of New York rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Town of Oyster Bay Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Financially affected by COVID-19
  • Household income must be under 80% of the area median income

North Carolina Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of North Carolina rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Haliwa-Siponi Indian Tribe

Eligibility requirements for the Haliwa-Siponi Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Must be an enrolled member of the Haliwa-Siponi Indian Tribe
  • Must be renting
  • Income at or below 80% of the area median income
  • Experienced a reduction of income or have had other financial hardship due to COVID
  • Experienced or are at risk of experiencing homelessness
  • Must not already be getting federally funding rental or rental energy assistance
  • Not limited to Tribal Territory
  • Must provide 2 months of most recent and current utility bills for energy/utility assistance

North Dakota Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of North Dakota rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the ND Rent Help Program:

  • Earning less than 80% of area median income, which equals an annual income of up to $80,000 for a family of four depending on the county in which they live
  • Have received unemployment benefits or have experienced financial hardship since the beginning of the pandemic since March 13, 2020
  • At risk of housing instability or homelessness due to difficulty affording housing and housing-related costs
  • Households who are at imminent risk of eviction

Ohio Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Ohio rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Clermont County

Eligibility requirements for the Clermont County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Household income must be under 85% of the area median income (Area median income for a family of one is $48,350; family of four is $69,050)

Eligibility requirements for the Salvation Army Greater Cincinnati Area Rent Assistance :

  • Those seeking assistance should call 513-762-5660, to schedule an in-person visit with a trained staff member.

Eligibility requirements for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Rent and Utility Assistance :

  • City of Cincinnati residents
  • Meets income criteria (200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline)
  • Has notice to leave and/or eviction notice

Delaware County

Eligibility requirements for the Pathways to Hope:

  • Proof of all household income from the last 30 days
  • Provide additional information relevant to your case, including an eviction or shut off notice.

Hamilton County

Eligibility requirements for the Community Action Agency Home Relief Program :

  • 80% AMI, based on 12 month’s income or 30 days income
  • Direct or indirect COVID-19 hardship.
  • One or more individuals at risk of homelessness or housing instability.
  • Qualified for unemployment 2020/21 or reduction in household income.

Lake County

Eligibility requirements for the Lake County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
  • Household income at or below 80% of the area median income

Mahoning County

Eligibility requirements for the Mahoning County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

Oklahoma Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Oklahoma rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

  • Be responsible for payment of home energy (households are not eligible for LIHEAP if the utility bill is paid directly to the provider by someone who does not reside at the residence)
  • Be a United States citizen or legally admitted for permanent residence
  • Meet specific income guidelines that vary according to household size

Oregon Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Oregon rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Washington County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Households must earn under 50% of the area median income

Pennsylvania Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Pennsylvania rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Pennsylvania Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

Berks County

Eligibility requirements for the Berks County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Qualify for PA unemployment compensation OR
  • Experienced a 20% or more reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardships AND
  • Household income at or below 80% of area median income AND
  • At risk of homelessness or housing instability

Chester County

Eligibility requirements for the Chester County Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Program:

Cumberland County

Eligibility requirements for the Cumberland County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Annual household income must be between $29,750 – $56,100, depending on the household size
  • Homelessness must be documented; acceptable documentation includes a letter from a shelter, caseworker or other agency verifying homeless status

Westmoreland County

Eligibility requirements for the Westmoreland County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

Wayne County

Eligibility requirements for the Wayne County Emergency Rental Assistance Program :  

  • Tenants must be US citizens
  • qualified non-citizens with unexpired immigration status
  • Reduce the number of months assistance is received from 18 to 12
  • Pay arrearages only, such as past due rent and utilities
  • Limit eligible household income to <50% AMI
  • Unemployed households which have been unemployed for 90 days

York County

Eligibility requirements for the York County’s Emergency Rent Assistance Program:

  • You must rent your home or apartment
  • Demonstrate a financial impact directly or indirectly related to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
  • The household must be a low-income family

Wyoming County

Eligibility requirements for the Wyoming County Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program :

  • You must qualify for Unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19
  • You must demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or loss of housing stability
  • Your gross household income must be below the income levels

Rhode Island Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Rhode Island  rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Rhode Island LIHEAP:

  • You don’t have to be on public assistance
  • You don’t need to have an unpaid heating bill
  • You can either rent or own your home
  • Households must meet 60% of Rhode Island’s Median Income Levels that are set each program year

South Carolina Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of South Carolina rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Spartanburg County

Eligibility requirements for the Spartanburg County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Must be at-risk for homelessness
  • Yearly income cannot be over 30% of the area median income
  • Must have had a sudden loss of income

South Dakota Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of South Dakota rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the South Dakota CARES Housing Assistance Program:

  • Households income qualify based on county of residence
  • Have one or more individuals in the household who has qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak
  • Have one or more individuals in the household that have a past due utility bill, rent notice, or are able to prove that they are at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability

Eligibility requirements for the Low Income Energy and Weatherization Assistance:

  • Complete an application
  • Total gross income may not exceed maximum income guidelines
  • Be responsible for paying home heating costs

Tennessee Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Tennessee rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the Tennessee Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program:

  • 60% of State Median Income guidelines can receive assistance.
  • You don’t need to have a past due energy bill
  • You can rent or own your home

Texas Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Texas rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Galveston County

Eligibility requirements for the Galveston County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Must be impacted by COVID-19 or are having difficulty paying or collecting past due rent or current rent

Eligibility requirements for the Abilene Housing Authority :

  • Be below income limits equal to 50% of the Area Median Income for the appropriate geographic area
  • At least one member of the household must be a citizen of the U.S. or have eligible immigration status
  • Must not owe any housing authorities any debts from previous participation in assisted housing programs
  • Must not have been terminated from any assisted housing program in the last year
  • May not be convicted of any violent or drug-related criminal activity in the past 3 years
  • Not been convicted of manufacture or distribution of methamphetamines on any federally funded housing property/program
  • Not subject to a lifetime registration as a sex offender

Grand Prairie and Dallas

Eligibility requirements for the Grand Prairie United Charities :

  • Picture ID for all household members 18+
  • Social Security Cards for ALL household members
  • Proof of income for the past 60 days for all household members 18+. (this includes SNAP, SSI, Disability, Child Support, Pension, Unemployment ALL INCOME.) No income, No worries. We have a non-employment affidavit for your use
  • Current signed Lease or Mortgage Statement or Section 8 Housing Letter
  • Current utility bill(s) not disconnect notice
  • If the following apply, please submit: Child Support Documentation, Food Stamp Award Letter, Housing Award Letter, Social Security/Disability Award Letter
  • Two Months of Bank Statements

Eligibility requirements for the Brownwood Housing Authority :

  • Certified birth certificate of ALL household members (hospital announcements will not be accepted)
  • Social Security card for ALL household members
  • If you have a job, please provide 4 consecutive current pay stubs
  • If you are self-employed you will need to provide a current 1099 or a ledger
  • Pension or retirement
  • SSI/SS award letter
  • Child Support
  • Unemployment Benefits
  • Workers Compensation
  • TANF award letter
  • Income from Rental Property
  • Babysitting or Adult Care
  • Military Pay/ Reserves/ VA Benefits of Housing
  • Investment Income/ Royalty

Tarrant County

Eligibility requirements for the Community Action Partners Services :

  • Must be the account holder or authorized user on utility account if requesting utility assistance (authorized user must reside in the home)
  • Utility assistance covers electricity, water and gas/ propane only
  • Must be the primary lease or mortgage holder if requesting rental or mortgage assistance
  • May only apply for rent, mortgage or utility assistance related to one primary property

Eligibility requirements for the Northwest Assistance Ministries Rent and MortgageAssistance Program :

  • Photo identification for adult household members
  • SS cards for every household member (Previous year tax return with social security number is acceptable)
  • Birth Certificate for children 0-17 years of age (Birth facts acceptable)
  • Entire current signed (electronic signatures are accepted) written lease, housing agreement or mortgage statement (dated within last 30 days) in the name of the client applying for assistance
  • Copy of Utility (water, electricity, gas, cable) bill dated within 30 days
  • Proof of household income for the past 45 days
  • Current SNAP award letter (if applicable)
  • Current SSI award letter for anyone in the household receiving it(if applicable)
  • Unemployment statement (if applicable)
  • Proof of loss must be within 30 days
  • Documented proof of doctor’s appointment, 1st day of work, interview or homelessness (if applicable)

Eligibility requirements for the PATH Rent & Mortgage Assistance :

  • Have you been helped with rent in the last 2 years?- PATH helps with rent one time every 2 years
  • Do you have an eviction notice? – You must be subject to being evicted for us to assist with rent.
  • Did you have something unexpected happen that caused you to be unable to pay rent this month? – You must have had an unexpected expense or loss of income for us to assist.
  • Are you normally able to pay your rent with your income? – You must have enough income to cover your own rent under normal circumstances. Once we pay rent, you should be able to pay rent on your own next month. We require proof of income for the household. (30 days)
  • If you qualify, a caseworker will schedule an appointment. When you have been scheduled for an appointment, please bring your eviction notice, income documentation, and ID

Utah Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Utah rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship.

Eligibility requirements for the Home Energy Assistance Target Program:

  • The total household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level
  • The household is responsible for paying home energy costs
  • The household has at least one adult (18 years of age or older or emancipated)
  • The household contains at least one US citizen or qualified non-citizen

Vermont Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Vermont rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship.

Eligibility requirements for the Upper Valley Housing Helpers:

  • To be able to speak with a service coordinator at LISTEN, participants must live in LISTEN’s service area. You are eligible for a grant every five years.

To apply, click here

Eligibility requirements for the Vermont State Housing AuthorityLandlord Relief Program:

  • The gross rent (rent plus all utilities) must meet affordability standards for an individual/family at 80% of AMI
  • Landlords must demonstrate regular inspections have been performed on the property and unit, and inspections will continue to occur after the claim is processed
  • Properties owned by a housing authority are not eligible
  • Properties owned by non-profit housing agencies with project-based subsidies or tax credits attached are not eligible

Eligibility requirements for the State of Vermont Emergency/General Assistance:

  • Have an emergency need
  • Not have the income or resources to meet that need

Eligibility requirements for the The Emergency Needs Fund:

  • Low-income residents of the Southshire experiencing financial crisis are eligible to receive financial assistance. The Fund helps with costs like rent, mortgage payments and shelter
  • Funds can be used for utility payments or other household necessities
  • If you already work with a case manager from another organization, please consult them before requesting funds
  • To request assistance from the Emergency Needs Fund, contact the Fund Manager
  • Alternatively, you can also get an application at GBCS’ office on Depot Street

Brattleboro / Windham County

Eligibility requirements for the SEVCA Housing Assistance Program:

  • Be a resident of Windham or Windsor County
  • Be homeless or at-risk of homelessness
  • Needs assessed individually, please call  800-464-9951  to speak to your local Family Services office.

Chittenden County

Eligibility requirements for the COTS Private Funds:

  • Currently residing in Chittenden County
  • Currently a tenant of COTS
  • All requests must be tied to a housing plan to support immediate housing stability with an identified timeline
  • Financial assistance is provided to households who would become or remain homeless WITHOUT financial assistance alone
  • Households will be required to provide documentation on their housing status, income verification, and documentation of liability

Virginia Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Virginia rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship.

Eligibility requirements for the The Virginia Energy Assistance Program:

  • Must be resident of the locality in which application is made
  • Must have a heating or cooling expense responsibility
  • Household must contain at least one vulnerable individual who is age 60 or over
  • Household must contain at lwho is living with a disability, or is under age 6.
  • Monthly gross income may not exceed list of Household Size and Maximum Income

Washington Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Washington rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship.

Eligibility requirements for the Washington LIHEAP Program:

  • Eligibility is based on several factors, including household income, size, and heating costs

Clark County

Eligibility requirements for the Clark County Treasury Rent Assistance:

  • Household income at or below 50% of the area median income
  • Have not yet received T-RAP or TERA Housing Assistance.
  • Must be a renter

Lewis County

Eligibility requirements for the Lewis County Emergency Rental Assistance:

  • Must have a household income of 80% of the area median income

Pierce County

Eligibility requirements for the Pierce County Rental Assistance:

  • Household must agree to Case Management Services
  • Household must be a renter
  • Household must currently reside in unit
  • Household must have past due rent
  • Household is behind on rent up to 3 months
  • Household is under 80% of the area median income
  • Household must have a lease in their own name

Thurston County

Eligibility requirements for the Thurston County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Behind on rent
  • At risk of homelessness
  • At or below 80% Thurston County area median income

Whatcom County

Eligibility requirements for the Whatcom Rental Assistance Program:

  • Must be a resident of Whatcom county
  • Household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income
  • Household currently behind on rent

Wisconsin Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Wisconsin rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the ​ Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program:

  • You must be a resident of Wisconsin
  • You must need financial assistance with home energy costs
  • You must have an income lower than 60% of the state median income

Dane County

Eligibility requirements for the Dane CORE Program:

  • Owe rent to your current or former landlord, or know for certain you won’t be able to pay your rent next month

Milwaukee County

Eligibility requirements for the Milwaukee County Rental Assistance Program:

  • Must have an income lower than 80% of the area median income.
  • Must have past-due rent
  • Have experienced a loss or significant reduction of income or incurred significant expenses due directly or indirectly to the Covid-19 pandemic
  • Qualify for unemployment benefits
  • Experienced a loss of income in the last 60 days

Waukesha County

Eligibility requirements for the Waukesha County Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

  • Must live in Waukesha or Milwaukee County

West Virginia Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of West Virginia rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Eligibility requirements for the West Virginia Low Income Energy Assistance Program:

  • Benefits is based on income, household size and whether
  • The household is responsible for paying water or wastewater bills.
  • The maximum allowable gross income levels for LIHWAP Fiscal Year 2022
  • To qualify, the household must meet all program guidelines, which includes an applicant’s annual income being at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income.

Wyoming Rental Assistance Programs

The following is a list of Wyoming rental assistance programs for renters experiencing hardship:

Natrona County

Eligibility requirements for the Interfaith of Natrona County Rent/Utility Assistance:

  • Gross family income must not exceed federal poverty income guidelines
  • Applicant must demonstrate a verifiable decrease or interruption of income or extraordinary expense
  • Applicant must demonstrate a verifiable ability to pay future rent/utility and living expenses
  • Applicant must demonstrate homelessness or the danger of becoming homeless
  • Other emergency circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis
  • PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
  • RAPID REHOUSING
  • Support Services
  • Landlord/Tenant Legal Workshop

Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance

  • Donate Items
  • Community Rewards Programs
  • Volunteer Opportunities

Housing Crisis Center

Housing Crisis Center

Housing Crisis Center of Dallas

In addition to the free legal clinic, Housing Crisis Center’s Homeless Prevention Services include housing and utility assistance programs. These programs provide emergency financial assistance to households facing evictions and or utility shut-offs. These events often lead to homelessness, and serve as barriers to being housed in the future.

The goal is to stabilize those at risk of becoming homeless, while providing support services necessary to help resolve the underlying circumstances that may be contributing to their housing problems. Program participants stay safely housed, allowing kids to remain in school, providing continuity for the entire household.

The amount paid depends on a household’s income, and available resources, and is subject to some limitations. Commitments for assistance are made first-come-first-serve, with all documentation and eligibility requirements being met, upon applying. Applicants lacking adequate resources to maintain the residence after the emergency assistance is provided, may be required to take part in a financial literacy assessment and Coaching sessions needed to develop the skills necessary to remain self-sufficient.

For more information on applying, or for a list of other agencies that may provide similar financial assistance, please contact us at: 214.828.4244.

Only fill in if you are not human

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Looking for rental assistance.

Renters and landlords can find out what emergency rental assistance covers, how it works, and who’s eligible on the interagency housing portal hosted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Example screens for ERA program online applications

Treasury is providing example reference screens to help grantees with implementing ERA program online applications. These are the first in a series of examples demonstrating best practices for service delivery and can be an inspiration for how grantees may iterate and evolve their applications and programs to better serve tenants and landlords.

These example pages can be used by program administrators and staff or vendors in building or modifying ERA applications. The goal is to demonstrate ways grantees and their partners can create online application forms that are user-friendly, succinct, and easily understood.

Example eligibility screens

As described in Treasury's FAQs , grantees must determine who is eligible to receive rental assistance. The following screens show examples of each of the conditions of eligibility. Treasury understands that aspects of these examples will need to be adapted to meet their localized needs and program requirements.

Within these examples is a documentation strategy that leverages self-attestation within the ERA application itself. These can be a model that grantees may be able to learn from and use to help reduce their processing bottlenecks, barrier bust documentation hurdles for tenants, and therefore, keep people stably housed.

Highlighted within these initial eligibility screens are the practices detailed in " Guidelines for ERA program online applications ". Each of the following examples demonstrates elements of those guidelines.

Screen list

Covid-19 pandemic impact, residence and monthly rent.

  • Risk of housing instability or homelessness

Income - Fact-specific proxy

Income - categorical eligibility, income - self-attestation, rent assistance request, utility assistance request.

Based on conversations with grantees and tenants, it can be difficult to describe and document financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this we've used examples to help tenants identify their experiences.

Example screen showing a user interface for handling the COVID-19 pandemic impact eligibility questions for Emergency Rental Assistance. The screen includes annotations A thru E.

  • Break the process into steps and indicate where the user is in the process using a step indicator
  • One thing per page
  • Use examples and lists instead of requiring blocks of text
  • Winter 2021-2022 home heating costs are predicted to increase in light of COVID-19 related supply chain issues around energy production and distribution causing cost increases in the energy sector, particularly with home heating.
  • Use self-attestation to demonstrate financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Provide human interaction and support to applicants

Example screen snippet showing a user interface for handling the COVID-19 pandemic impact eligibility language alteration between ERA1 and ERA2.

  • If an applicant indicates they did not have any expenses "due to" the pandemic then it would be appropriate to prompt them again changing "due to" to "during" in order to meet the eligibility language alteration between ERA1 and ERA2 . If the applicant was to answer "Yes" to this follow-on question the same list of checkboxes could be presented.

The simplest way to capture a tenant’s rental obligation is with a current lease or an equivalent letter from their landlord. However, in many cases tenants may not be in a position to provide these documents. This example shows how in these instances, you can ask for documentation of the rental address and evidence of past rental payments or allow tenants to self-attest.

Example screen showing a user interface for handling the residence and monthly rent eligibility questions for Emergency Rental Assistance. The screen includes annotations F thru H.

  • If a tenant has a lease or a letter from their landlord there’s no need to ask for further documentation. When documentation of a rental agreement is unavailable, focus on proving residence and monthly rental amount.
  • Offer document upload . Suggest to applicants what types of documents are acceptable.

Example screen showing a user interface for handling the residence and monthly rent eligibility questions for Emergency Rental Assistance when the applicant does not have documentation. The screen includes annotations H and I.

  • Hide complexity from an applicant until or unless they must take action. Use progressive disclosure to hide the upload document component and reveal the self-attestation checkbox based on the answer to “Do you have documents that show your past rent payments?”
  • Allow applicants to progress and self-attest if they cannot provide documentation.

Risk of Housing Instability or Homelessness

This example illustrates progressive disclosure, by revealing one question at a time, dependent on the previous answer the applicant provided.

Applicants indicate they have received a past due or eviction notice and then are asked if they can provide and upload that document. Whereas, applicants who reply that they haven’t received a past due or eviction notice, are instead asked whether they have experienced other housing risks.

Example screen showing a user interface for handling the risk of housing instability or homelessness questions for Emergency Rental Assistance when the applicant can upload documentation.

This example attempts to capture a range of factors that can lead to risk of housing instability or homelessness. The intention is to help tenants see themselves and/or their situation within the checklist options offered and to avoid asking tenants to provide a narrative. Any additional program policy decisions could be captured in this checklist, or other parts of the interface, as needed.

Example screen showing a user interface for handling the risk of housing instability or homelessness questions for Emergency Rental Assistance when the applicant does not have documentation.

The use of fact-specific proxy describes the scenario where a grantee re-affirms a tenant's income self-attestation by cross-referencing it with income data about a particular population and/or a particular geographic area. This example shows one way grantees can cross-reference household size and income against a proxy data source on the backend, without putting this onus on the applicant. This would require using AMI data from sources such as:

  • Department of Housing and Urban Development’s " Access Individual Income Limits Areas " data
  • American Community Survey (ACS), specifically US Census 2019 5-Year Estimates Tables S1901 and S2503 , or the most recent version of that data when available

Example screen showing a user interface for handling the income eligibility questions for Emergency Rental Assistance using a fact-specific proxy.

This example involves confirming income eligibility by relying on the applicant's participation in other income-tested federal or state assistance programs.

Example screen showing a user interface for handling income eligibility questions for Emergency Rental Assistance when the applicant is categorically eligible.

  • Grantees should adjust the list of programs to reflect additional programs available in their jurisdiction.

Example screen showing a user interface for handling income eligibility questions for Emergency Rental Assistance offering self-attestation.

  • Be sure to offer self-attestation if the applicant cannot provide any documentation.

This example shows a way to structure the rent assistance portion of an application. It allows the applicant to fill in each month they are asking for assistance on, as well as any fees, and calculates the total amount of assistance requested for them.

Example screen showing a user interface for handling the rental assistance an applicant is requesting.

  • Including a section on past assistance that was received from other programs can help identify and prevent any overlap in assistance given to the applicant.
  • Including a list of the potential months helps applicants think through each month. It also provides more granular data for program administrators.

Example snippet of a screen showing a modal window prompt for the applicant to confirm their request.

  • It is appropriate to get applicants to confirm their rent assistance request and to underline the importance of making an accurate and truthful request.

This example illustrates how you can structure the section on utility assistance. It utilizes progressive disclosure , only showing applicable sections. For example, if the applicant only checks that they need assistance with gas bills, only additional fields pertaining to the gas bill will be shown.

Example screen showing a user interface for handling the utility assistance an applicant is requesting.

  • Grantees should adjust the list of utilities, and the examples of each utility, to ensure the utilities listed are consistent with the specific policies and procedures that have been developed locally.
  • Use examples of what is covered in order to help applicants determine their eligibility for utility assistance.

Example screen showing a user interface for handling an internet utility assistance request.

  • Asking for the total amount that the tenant owes for the utility allows all fees needed to maintain that utility to be included.
  • If an applicant's utility bill is bundled with other non-eligible services and thus needs to be broken apart, details on how to do so should be included here. Grantees should adjust the content in the help text to be consistent with the specific policies and procedures that have been developed locally.
  • If the applicant cannot provide a bill, capture the necessary information using an extended form .

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  • Housing Department
  • Renter Resources

Resources for Renters

  • Project Connect Anti-Displacement Initiatives
  • Inquiry Form
  • Equity Tool
  • Community Engagement

During these uncertain times, we hope to help residents find stability in housing. Here you will find information specific to tenants. Our resources include language translation assistance, childcare, homelessness support services, assistance with landlord issues & eviction, and help finding rental units. 

Austin has grown into a global community, with people from several countries living and interacting with each other.  Unfortunately, language barriers can be a problem for renters who could benefit from translation services. The City of Austin wants to serve these residents by offering language translation services to facilitate their daily lives.  

City of Austin - Web Based Communication

The City of Austin’s website currently uses Google Translate, an automated language translation tool that accommodates numerous languages.  As with any digital translation, the conversion is not always context-sensitive and may be not fully translate a text’s intended meaning. The Google Translate tool is located at the upper right page of the city’s webpages. 

City of Austin - Conversational Interpreter Assistance

Those who need an interpreter to conduct conversation with city staff members can contact the City of Austin to arrange for interpretive services through the city’s Language Access Coordinator at 512-974-6745.

Affordable Austin-Area Translation Services

There are a handful of community organizations and businesses that provide affordable language interpreters and translations for a wide range of citizens who may have limited English proficiency.  Below are a few of the local translation services available to individuals.

Austin Language Justice Collective seeks to bridge language barriers so that all people, regardless of what language they speak, have an efficient means of communication. Austin interpreters generally charge $40-$60 per hour for nonprofit interpreting, and up to $85 per hour for conference and business interpreting.  In some circumstances, interpreters may accommodate low-cost or pro-bono assignments. For more information, visit the Austin Language Justice Collective (Web)  or contact them via email at [email protected].

Displacement is hard on families, but it especially hard on children. Studies suggest that 41 percent of school-aged homeless kids will attend two or more schools in less than a year, and 28 percent will attend three or more schools.  As children are shuffled from shelter to shelter, school to school, access to tutoring, nutritious meals, and stable social relationships suffers.  The City of Austin joins with local school districts to bring some level of hope and stability to these young lives.

Community Services for Children

Any Baby Can is an Austin-based nonprofit that strengthens families through a range of family support services, including parental counseling, resource navigation, and family support services. Visit Any Baby Can (Web)  to see if you are eligible. You can also call 512-454-3743 or email [email protected].

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Service (TDFPS) Transition Centers provide a central clearinghouse of one-stop services to serve the diverse needs of at-risk youth.  The Austin Center is managed by LifeWorks Youth Resource Center (Web) .  Drop-in inquiries are welcome at the Lifeworks Headquarters, at 835 N. Pleasant Valley Road, between Monday and Thursday from 10 am - 4 pm, but calling ahead is appreciated.  Questions about services can be submitted via phone at 800-414-5457 or on the  website .

Child Care and Pre-School Services

For child care services for working families, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) (Web) provides an online searchable database of both licensed child care centers or listed family homes (i.e., homes that are not licensed or registered by the TDFPS).  You can also contact the Austin Child Care Licensing Office at 14000 Summit Drive, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78728 or call 512-834-3426

The City of Austin and Travis County partner for the Child Care Program, which works with Workforce Solutions Child Care Services (Web)  and Texas Rising Star 4-Star providers to provide subsidized child care for eligible families. Families need only to find a facility with an opening on the   child care provider list (web)  and apply online at Workforce Solutions Child Care Services (Web)  or by calling 512 - 597-7191.  There may be a waiting list. 

School-based Services and Programs

The Austin, Pflugerville, and Del Valle Independent School Districts provide assistance programs for students affected by housing displacement or homelessness. 

Project HELP (Web) is a program of the Austin Independent School District (AISD) that serves displaced or homeless children under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (i.e., students experiencing hardship due to a loss of housing and living in substandard housing, shelters, or transitional housing).  The three primary goals of Project HELP include: 1) providing services to an increasing number of AISD students, 2) maintaining partnerships with community collaborators, and 3) ensuring service strategies are student-centered and aligned with students being academically successful. 

Visit Project HELP (Web)  for more information, or contact AISD’s Department of School, Family & Community Education at 512-414-3690.  For those needing translation services, AISD can facilitate discussion through its Language Line Translation Service (Web)  which provides over-the-phone conferencing and language interpretation in more than 200 languages at all campuses. For more information on language translation or interpretation services, visit  AISD Office of Community Services (Web)  or call 512-414-9882.

Del Valle Independent School District

Homeless services for students in Del Valle Independent School District (DVISD) are managed by the Office of Homeless Liaison, which can be contacted through Homeless Liason (Web) or by phone at 512-386-3110.

Pflugerville Independent School District

The Pflugerville Independent School District also a Project Hope program through its   Social Work Office (Web) .  Families who qualify to receive services through the McKinney-Vento Act should email the district’s Homeless Liaison or call 512-594-1953 or email the Project HOPE Social worker or call 512-594-1960 to begin the qualification process.

Texas Homeless Education Office, University of Texas at Austin

The Texas Homeless Education Office (Web) is committed to ensuring that all Texas children in homeless or displacement situations have the opportunity to enroll in, attend, and succeed in school. In its efforts to accomplish this goal, the office provides a variety of services to school districts, education service centers, students, parents, caregivers, service providers, shelters, state agencies, advocates, higher education institutions, and other interested parties.

For more information about displaced student and parental rights and responsibilities in the state, visit the Texas Homeless Education Office (Web)   or call 1-800-446-3142

For immediate housing needs, the City of Austin’s Public Health Department’ Self-Sufficiency and Responsibility Initiative provides collaborative services to help homeless men and families get back on their feet, with a focus on self-sufficiency and responsibility.

The Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (Web) is a men’s shelter and resource center for up to 100 men to meet basic needs, including healthcare, showers, laundry facilities, phone and messaging centers, lockers, and food. It also has several co-located agencies providing case management, job placement services, and legal assistance.

The Austin Women and Children's Center (Web) is   operated by the Salvation Army. The Shelter for Women and Children provides emergency shelter to single adult women and to women and their dependents. Services include case management, job training, and GED and ESL classes.

Austin’s Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) (Web)  manages federal funding for financial assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and to help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized.  Managed by the Austin Public Health Department, the program provides grant funds to Youth and Family Alliance (aka LifeWorks) and CARITAS of Austin. Information for both programs is included below:

The Youth and Family Alliance (aka LifeWorks) (Web) provides Rapid Housing and Supportive Housing Programs that provide on-site case management and apartment-based transitional living to homeless youth and young families. Participants are provided with comprehensive case management, independent living skills, and parenting classes, as well as linkages to resources such as childcare, counseling, and medical services.

Caritas of Austin (Web) conducts community outreach and intake for HPRP, and serves as liaisons to area school districts, faith communities, and homeless service providers. Caritas also manages the City-funded Rapid Re-Housing Pilot Project which serves as the liaison between local landlords and the HPRP clients and conduct the required housing inspections.

Most all charitable organizations in Austin use a Coordinated Assessment Application (Web)  to serve people experiencing homelessness. The application is a 50-question survey that helps community service providers align the needs of those who are displaced with that most appropriate support services. Managed Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) (Web) , the Coordinated Assessment Application lets individuals complete only ONE application for services that is accepted by dozens of support services and resources in the city.

Our housing partners include:

  • Foundation Communities (Web)
  • Green Doors (Web)
  • CARITAS Austin (Web)
  • Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Austin (Web)

Individuals can complete the Coordinated Assessment online with ECHO or by visiting an All Access Point of community partners to fill out the assessment in person .

Are you a renter being evicted and need legal help?

The City of Austin has partnered with Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) (Web) , a non-profit organization, to provide emergency eviction counseling, representation, and prevention services for low-income renters. To learn more about the organization and the wide range of services that they provide to homeowners and renters, please visit their  website .

Know your rights as a renter

Building and Strengthening Tenant Action (BASTA) (Web) helps Austin renters work together to ensure that access to safe and affordable housing by developing tenant associations, organizing tenants for facility upkeep repairs, and providing legal assistance through strategic guidance and legal counsel. The Austin Tenants Council (Web)  provides a Renters’ Rights Assistance Program (RRAP) for counseling and technical assistance to low-income renters on tenant-landlord issues, mediates disputes, provides workshops, and identifies fair housing issues to resolve or minimize discriminatory housing practices.  For more information on the RRAP Program, call (512) 474-1961. In addition to eviction prevention counsel, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) (Web) provides other free legal services to low-income residents for renter-landlord disputes, home foreclosures, fair housing, and federally subsidized housing. Texas Attorney General Tenant Rights (Web) lists your rights as a tenant and lets you file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.  Texas A&M University Real Estate Center provides a “plain English” Landlord and Tenants Guide (Web)  for renters.

Building and Strengthening Tenant Action (BASTA) (Web)  helps Austin renters work together to ensure that access to safe and affordable housing by developing tenant associations, organizing tenants for facility upkeep repairs, and providing legal assistance through strategic guidance and legal counsel.

Legal Help for Tenants Facing Eviction

The City of Austin has partnered with  Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) (Web)  to provide emergency eviction counseling, representation, and prevention services for low-income renters.

To learn more about the organization and the wide range of services that they provide to homeowners and renters, please visit TRLA (Web) .

City Initiatives for Eviction Prevention 

Eviction prevention and homeless programs support low-income tenants (renters) with legal assistance, emergency grants for rent or utilities, alternate housing, short-term motel vouchers, or placement in a local shelter. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Steve Adler issued Order No. 20211015-035 (PDF) that prohibits landlords from issuing notices to vacate except in certain circumstances. This order expires on December 31, 2021. 

Travis County has   numerous online resources   numerous online resources (Web) for tenants facing eviction, as do the county’s Justice of the Peace Precinct Offices.  The Travis County Sheriff’s Office provides a concise brochure for  Evictions and Lease Terminations (Web) .  A more extensive description of tenant rights in Travis County can be found through the  Travis County Law Library and Self-Help Center (Web) . While not a substitute for consulting an attorney, the site provides easy-to-understand kits for appealing an eviction, filing appeal bonds, and the record expungement process.  

Austin Tenant's Council (Web) offers counseling to prepare for and understand the eviction process, including reviewing the notices a tenants has received and assisting tenants with preparing for court if necessary. 

Tenant Relocation Assistance

The City of Austin has passed a  Tenant Relocation Assistance (Web)  ordinance to ensure landlords have provided appropriate and timely information to tenants in the event of the demolition of a multifamily building of five or more units, rezoning, or the redevelopment of a mobile home park.  For more information about the ordinance and the notification requirements, visit   Tenant Relocation Assistance Policy (Web) .  

In particular, tenants who have been notified of displacement should promptly: 

  • Check the lease to see what is required for move-out—especially to see if you must give advance notice of a move-out date
  • Begin looking for new housing to move into before the end of the notice period, or the end of the lease (whichever comes first)
  • Make sure you possess the required documents to apply for new housing (ID, proof of income, etc.)
  • Make sure you are up to date on your rent and fees so that the security deposit can be returned
  • Once a new home is found, provide your old landlord with a forwarding address to facilitate the return of the security deposit
  • Contact Austin Energy (Web) at 512-494-9400 for information on connection fees and deposits at your new home.

Los programas para prevención del desalojo y desamparo apoyan a los inquilinos con bajos ingresos mediante asistencia legal, subsidios de emergencia para alquiler o servicios públicos, vivienda alternativa, cupones para moteles a corto plazo o estadía en un albergue de la localidad. 

En respuesta a la pandemia del COVID-19, el Alcalde Steve Adler emitió la Orden Nro. 20211015-035 (PDF) que les prohibía a los propietarios entregar avisos de desalojo salvo en determinadas circunstancias. Esta orden caduca el 31 de deciembre de 2021 . 

A partir del 1 de septiembre de 2021, un propietario puede entregar un aviso de desalojo si el inquilino adeuda tres o más meses de alquiler y se reúnen otras determinadas condiciones.

Si usted es propietario y desea entregar un aviso de desalojo a un inquilino que debe tres (3) o más meses de pagos de alquiler, complete y envíe la Solicitud Para Prevencion del Desalojo (Web)  que servirá como la documentación requerida por la orden del alcalde. Además, un propietario debe completar la Verificación de cumplimiento que se adjunta a la Orden del Alcalde. 

El Condado de Travis tiene  muchos recursos por internet (Web) para los inquilinos que enfrentan el desalojo, al igual que las Oficinas del precinto del juzgado de paz del condado.  La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Travis provee un cuadernillo conciso sobre  Desalojos y rescisiones de alquileres (Web) .   Puede consultar una descripción más detallada de los derechos de los inquilinos en el Condado de Travis a través de la   Bibilioteca de Derecho y Centro de autogesti ó n del Condado de Travis (Web) .  A pesar de que no reemplaza la consulta con un abogado, el sitio provee kits de fácil comprensión para apelar un desalojo, cómo presentar fianzas de apelación y el proceso de eliminación de expedientes.  

El  Consejo para inquilinos de Austin (Web) ofrece asesoría para prepararse para el proceso de desalojo y entenderlo, incluso una revisión de los avisos que un inquilino recibió y ayuda a los inquilinos con la preparación judicial, si fuese necesario. 

La Ciudad de Austin aprobó una ordenanza de  Asistencia para reubicaci ó n de inquilinos (Web) para asegurarse de que los propietarios hayan entregado información adecuada y oportuna a los inquilinos en caso de la demolición de un edificio multifamiliar de cinco unidades o más, nueva zonificación o nueva urbanización de un parque de viviendas ambulantes.  Para obtener más información sobre la ordenanza y el requisito de notificación, visite el sitio web de la política de Asistencia para reubicación de inquilinos . 

Sobre todo, los inquilinos que hayan recibido aviso de desplazamiento deberían de inmediato: 

  • Checar el contrato de alquiler para ver qué se requiere para mudarse, sobre todo para ver si usted (el inquilino) debe entregar un preaviso de una fecha de mudanza
  • Empezar a buscar una nueva vivienda para mudarse antes de lo que ocurra primero entre el final del periodo de notificación o el final del contrato de alquiler
  • Asegurarse de poseer los documentos requeridos para solicitar una nueva vivienda (identificación, constancia de ingresos, etc.)
  • Asegurarse de estar al día con el pago de su alquiler y tarifas para que le puedan regresar el depósito de garantía
  • Después de encontrar una nueva casa, entréguele a su arrendador anterior una dirección de envío para facilitar la devolución del depósito de garantía
  • Contacte a Austin Energy a través del 512-494-9400 o por internet en Austin Energy (Web)  para obtener información respecto de tarifas de conexión y depósitos en su nueva casa. 

If you are looking for an affordable apartment in Austin, the following sites may help:

City of Austin Affordable Housing Listing (Web) is a comprehensive database that includes affordable, income-restricted housing units in Austin that were either funded by the City of Austin or created through development incentives or agreements with the City.

The database does not provide real-time vacancy information, but you can look through the listings to see which developments may have affordable units and contact the property managers directly to find out about availability and whether you are income-eligible.

Go Section8 (Web) is a free, searchable, and online affordable rental listing service available to households with or without a   Housing Choice (Section 8) Voucher (Web) , which allows eligible households to use a voucher to help pay for their housing.

Austin 2-1-1 (Web)  is a free, anonymous, social service hotline available 24 hours a day by phone or online at www.211texas.org/ . No matter where you live in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1, or (877) 541-7905, and find information about local resources for food or housing, child care, crisis counseling, or substance abuse treatment.

Texas Housing Counselor (Web)  (under revision) This site is another web-based searchable application that identifies potential affordable housing opportunities in any city in Texas based on your needs. It is maintained by  Texas Housers (Web) , an organization to support low-income Texans to achieve decent, affordable, housing in quality neighborhoods.

Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) (Web)  administers a Housing Choice Voucher list, as well as 18 other opportunities for Project-Based Rental Assistance programs, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit housing units, and several public housing properties. For more information about HACA-supported housing properties, visit Housing Authority of the City of Austin (Web)  or call 512-477-4488.

The Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program assists low-income families to move from homelessness to self-sufficiency by providing rental subsidies and case management support services. The program serves families with incomes at, or below, 50% of the Median Family Income. For more information on the TBRA program, contact the  Housing Authority of the City of Austin (Web) at 512-477-1314.

Guide to Affordable Housing in the Greater Austin Area (Web) is an  annual publication, maintained by the Austin Tenant's Council is available online , and in printable formats, to assist persons searching for reasonably priced rental housing in the Austin area.

Aunt Bertha (Web) is a free, anonymous website that matches people with social service programs they may qualify for, including services that provide food, housing, transit, health/medical, education, and legal help. Once you have identified programs that might fit your needs through the website, be sure to contact the programs directly to find out if you qualify.

Housing Income and Rent Limits (Web)  makes rental  housing available through City of Austin funding or incentives are generally targeted to households earning less than 50% of the Median Family Income (MFI) for the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area. Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) releases an updated Annual MFI Chart (Web) showing the MFI for different household sizes. The City of Austin relies upon this annual update to establish the income limits permitted for all RHDA assisted properties. 

Haven Connect (Web) allows low-income applicants to apply online to open affordable housing waitlists directly. Applicants are notified every year to update their information across all Haven Connect applications and are also notified when they are at the top of the waitlist.

NEED RENT HELP?

The I Belong in Austin program provides tenant rental assistance to residents vulnerable to eviction.

The Housing Department’s goal is to provide financial assistance with rent, moving, storage, and relocation costs to keep people in their homes in Austin, preventing individuals and families from experiencing homelessness, and assist households in the case of emergency events (weather, public health, fire, etc.)

Client Eligibility includes:

1) Eligibility shall be based on the client’s gross annual household income and may not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the Fiscal Year 2023 Area Median Family Income (AMFI) limits for the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA. This means that the income of every adult, as provided by the applicant, that resides in the eligible property, must be factored into the income calculation. Please use the table below to calculate the AMFI. 

(80% MFI is defined by HUD as low-income)

2) Housing is located in the City of Austin full-purpose jurisdiction .

Review the I Belong in Austin Application Process & What You Can Expect for eviction and rental assistance.

More housing resources, eviction information, help with paying utilities and related housing services are available on Housing Resources (Web) .

NEED HELP PAYING YOUR UTILITIES?

Residential customers experiencing financial hardships as well as those impacted by COVID-19 can receive  Utility Bill Relief (Web) .

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

FACT SHEET:  Biden- ⁠ Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Protect Renters and Promote Rental Affordability

Administration also launches Resident-Centered Housing Challenge, a call-to-action to improve the quality of life for renters

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new actions to increase fairness in the rental market and further principles of fair housing. These actions align with a new Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights that the Administration is also releasing today. The Blueprint lays out a set of principles to drive action by the federal government, state and local partners, and the private sector to strengthen tenant protections and encourage rental affordability. Key actions announced today include:

  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), both independent agencies, announced they will collect information to identify practices that unfairly prevent applicants and tenants from accessing or staying in housing in order to inform enforcement and policy actions under each agency’s jurisdiction. This is the first time the FTC has issued a request for information exploring unfair practices in the rental market. The two agencies will seek information on a broad range of practices that affect the rental market, including the creation and use of tenant background checks, the use of algorithms in tenant screenings, the provision of adverse action notices by landlords and property management companies, and how an applicant’s source of income factors into housing decisions.
  • The CFPB announced it will issue guidance and coordinate enforcement efforts with the FTC to ensure accurate information in the credit reporting system and to hold background check companies accountable for having unreasonable procedures.
  • The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), an independent agency, announced it will launch a new public process to examine proposed actions promoting renter protections and limits on egregious rent increases for future investments. FHFA will maintain transparency throughout the process and provide periodic updates, including one within 6 months, to interested stakeholders. As announced in November, the FHFA will also increase affordability in the multifamily rental market by establishing requirements that encourage the financing of multifamily loans that guarantee affordable housing. In 2022, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae purchased a combined $142 billion in multifamily loans supporting over one million units. If the same activity holds in 2023, this would mean an investment in approximately 700,000 affordable units.
  • A U.S. Department of Justice workshop will inform potential guidance updates around anti-competitive information sharing, including in rental markets.
  • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking that would require public housing authorities and owners of project-based rental assistance properties to provide at least 30 days’ advanced notice before terminating a lease due to nonpayment of rent.
  • The Administration will hold quarterly meetings with a broad, diverse, and varying group of tenants and tenant advocates to ensure they continue to have a seat at the table and can share ambitious ideas to strengthen tenant protections.

These new announcements are part of a broader set of federal actions that exemplify the principles laid out in the Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights , which underscores key protections every renter deserves:

  • Safe, Quality, Accessible, and Affordable Housing: Renters should have access to housing that is safe, decent, and affordable.
  • Clear and Fair Leases: Renters should have a clear and fair lease that has defined rental terms, rights, and responsibilities.
  • Education, Enforcement, and Enhancement of Renter Rights: Federal, state, and local governments should do all they can to ensure renters know their rights and to protect renters from unlawful discrimination and exclusion.
  • The Right to Organize: Renters should have the freedom to organize without obstruction or harassment from their housing provider or property manager.
  • Eviction Prevention, Diversion, and Relief: Renters should be able to access resources that help them avoid eviction, ensure the legal process during an eviction proceeding is fair, and avoid future housing instability.

In addition, the Administration is rallying state and local stakeholders and private housing actors to drive further action to protect renters in line with the Blueprint. As part of this effort, the Administration is launching the Resident-Centered Housing Challenge (Challenge), a call to action to housing providers and other stakeholders to strengthen practices and make their own independent commitments that improve the quality of life for renters. The Challenge, which will occur during the Spring of 2023, also encourages states, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to enhance existing policies and develop new ones that promote fairness and transparency in the rental market. Early commitments in support of the Challenge, which would affect over 15 million rental units, include:

  • Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) have capped annual rental increases to 5 percent per year for federally or state subsidized affordable housing. Beginning in 2023, WHEDA policy applies to existing residents in properties utilizing state or federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits .  PHFA applied this policy to their portfolio of 450 properties with PHFA funding in 2022.  
  • Members of the Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF), which collectively own or manage 145,000 housing units across the U.S., commit to offer flexible payment plans for residents with unpaid rent who have engaged with property management and to provide the following notices and protections where permitted by local law and financing documents: at least 30 days’ notice to vacate for nonpayment of rent; at least 5 days to cure a missed rent payment; and 60 days’ notice to tenants of any proposed sale or closure of a property. SAHF also commits to launching a task force of its members to identify best practices for resident-centered practices and share resources with the field including model policies and procedures, sample notices, and case studies.
  • Realtor.com Rentals will pilot a new listing process through their DIY landlord product, Avail , highlighting units and landlords that indicate that they welcome Housing Choice Vouchers. Realtor.com will be able to share this information with its nearly 5 million monthly rentals search visitors. They will also ensure that more than 1.3 million Avail renters have access to their application information so they can submit their application to multiple property owners on the platform without additional cost.
  • The National Apartment Association commits to promoting resident programming and practices, such as helping tenants build and improve credit through reporting of positive rent payments to credit bureaus, through their website, industry events and other content channels that reach a network of more over 95,000 members owning and operating more than 11.6 million apartment homes globally.
  • The National Association of Realtors and its affiliate, the Institute of Real Estate Management , commit to creating new resources for property managers in their network of 1.5 million members that highlight ways they can incorporate resident-centered property management practices in their businesses. Practices would include a range of examples that have proven effective, such as advertising to prospective residents that Housing Choice Vouchers are accepted at their property, providing information about rental assistance, and using alternative credit scores for applicants without a detailed credit history. 
  • The National Multifamily Housing Council commits to working with its 2,000 members to identify business standards that align with principles of resident-centered management practices, such as helping residents build credit, providing resource information to residents in financial distress, and communicating these practices through a new resource hub on its website.

The Administration welcomes additional commitments from interested stakeholders to: pursue high-road practices aligned with the Blueprint principles; create new benefits for residents that enhance their economic mobility, build credit, and prepare them for homeownership; reduce or eliminating rental “junk fees,” which are the hidden fees, charges, and add-ons that take cash out of people’s pockets; expand pathways to eviction mitigation and prevention; and enhance and increase communication about tenant rights. To join the Challenge, interested partners can complete  this survey by April 28, 2023.Questions regarding the White House Resident-Centered Housing Challenge team, can be directed to [email protected] .

Over a third of the American population – 44 million households – rent their homes. Before the pandemic, well over 2 million eviction fillings and roughly 900,000 evictions occurred annually – disproportionately affecting Black women and their children. Since then, rental housing has become less affordable with some landlords taking advantage of market conditions to pursue egregious rent increases.  Today’s announcements recognize there are responsible housing providers – large and small, national and local – willing to treat renters fairly, but it also holds accountable those who exploit market realities at the cost of renters’ housing access and stability. 

Since taking office, the President has taken substantial steps to promote fairness in the rental market and ease the burden of rental costs for millions of American renters. The Administration kept the national eviction moratorium in place until August 2021, which helped to prevent over 1.5 million eviction filings nationwide. The Administration has delivered over 8 million rental or utility assistance payments to reduce renters’ risk of eviction or housing instability through Emergency Rental Assistance programs and provided over $769 million for housing stability services. Last May, the Administration released a Housing Supply Action Plan, which set the goal of closing America’s housing supply shortfall in five years. The Administration has been making progress advancing a long-term goal of providing housing vouchers to all eligible households: the 2022 and 2023 President’s Budgets proposed to expand rental assistance to an additional 200,000 households – and the Administration has secured rental assistance to more than 100,000 households through the 2022 and 2033 appropriations bills and the American Rescue Plan. And, last week, HUD published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on its efforts to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing.   

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Housing Authority of Thurston County

IMAGES

  1. Help a New Tenant with this Utility Checklist

    task assignment for tenant rental & utility assistance

  2. Rental & Utility Assistance (04/07/2021)

    task assignment for tenant rental & utility assistance

  3. Equipment Lease Agreement

    task assignment for tenant rental & utility assistance

  4. How to Fill a Lease Assignment Form

    task assignment for tenant rental & utility assistance

  5. Tenant Based Rental Assistance Set Up Form

    task assignment for tenant rental & utility assistance

  6. FREE 10+ Sample Rental Assistance Forms in PDF

    task assignment for tenant rental & utility assistance

COMMENTS

  1. FAQs

    The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) is providing these frequently asked questions (FAQs) as guidance regarding the requirements of the Emergency Rental Assistance program (ERA1) established by section 501 of Division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Pub. L. No. 116-260 (Dec. 27, 2020) and the Emergency Rental Assistance prog...

  2. PDF U.S. Department of the Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Frequently

    trash removal, and energy costs, such as fuel oil. Payments to public utilities are permitted. All payments for utilities and home energy costs should be supported by a bill, invoice, or evidence of payment to the provider of the utility or home energy service. Utilities and home energy costs that are covered by the landlord will be treated as ...

  3. Emergency Rental Assistance Program

    Keeping Families in their Homes. Treasury's Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs have collectively provided communities over $46 billion to support housing stability for eligible renters throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating governments have leveraged ERA funding to make over 10 million assistance payments to renters facing ...

  4. Rent Relief Resources

    Rent Relief Resources If you're a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs - or if you're a landlord trying to stay afloat with tenants in this situation - help may be available. State and local programs are distributing billions of dollars in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic.

  5. Rent Relief Programs by State (2024 Update): How to Apply

    Copy of Social Security cards for all household members. Copy of income documentation for all household members for the entire prior calendar month. Current utility bill or propane quote (winter only), and/or current water bill with account number (s) Copy of lease/utility allowance. To apply, click here.

  6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    COVID-19 Rental Debt from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020. Subject to certain exceptions, if a tenant has experienced COVID-19-related financial distress and has not been able to pay part or all of the rent to their landlord between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2020, the tenant cannot be evicted for failure to pay rent so long as they sign and return a Declaration of COVID-19-related ...

  7. PDF How to Establish and Improve Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

    FEDERAL EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AND FUNDING TO ASSIST WITH IMPLEMENTING EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM American Rescue Plan Act Emergency Rental Assistance: Of the $27.4 billion provided for rental assistance in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, $21.55 billion will be funded through the ERA Program administered by the U.S.

  8. Resources for Renters/Landlords

    If you need language assistance, help completing the assigned task, or assistance uploading paperwork, you can schedule an appointment with an organization near you by calling the following number: 833-687-0967. Local Resources. As of April 1, 2022, the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program is no longer accepting new applications.

  9. Application Status

    A landlord cannot evict a tenant for non-payment of rent for the months in which rental assistance was provided. Beginning July 1 though, a landlord can evict a tenant for non-payment of rent even if the tenant's rent relief payment is pending. Some local cities and counties have their own eviction protections in place.

  10. PDF CHAPTER 7: TENANT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE

    Tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) is a rental subsidy that PJs can use to help individual households afford housing costs such as rent and security deposits. PJs may also assist tenants with utility deposits but only when HOME is also used for rental assistance or security deposits. Types: There are many types of TBRA programs.

  11. Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance

    In addition to the free legal clinic, Housing Crisis Center's Homeless Prevention Services include housing and utility assistance programs. These programs provide emergency financial assistance to households facing evictions and or utility shut-offs. These events often lead to homelessness, and serve as barriers to being housed in the future. The goal is to stabilize those at …Learn More

  12. Fairfax County Emergency Rental Assistance

    Eligibility. The ERA Program will provide financial help on behalf of renters who meet the following criteria: Have a valid lease agreement in their name or other documents confirming the landlord-tenant relationship and live in the unit at time of application. Have a rent amount that is at or below 150% Fair Market Rent.

  13. Example screens for ERA program online applications

    Treasury is providing example reference screens to help grantees with implementing ERA program online applications. These are the first in a series of examples demonstrating best practices for service delivery and can be an inspiration for how grantees may iterate and evolve their applications and programs to better serve tenants and landlords ...

  14. What does application complete pending payment mean? Also it ...

    The pending assignment will always show even after being disbursed but it's basically explains category is what you applied for: rent,utilities funding is your county and where the funding is coming from and if you scroll to the right of the pending assignment it will show the amount and if it's been disbursed yet or not.

  15. PDF Emergency Rental Assistance Program

    USDA Housing Voucher) are not allowed to receive Tuscaloosa County Emergency Rental Assistance Program assistance for rent or rental arrears. Neither income based nor flat rent public housing is eligible to be assisted. • A few limited types of projectbased or tenant- -based assistance operate with rent to tenants set at a flat

  16. Resources for Renters

    Here you will find information specific to tenants. Our resources include language translation assistance, childcare, homelessness support services, assistance with landlord issues & eviction, and help finding rental units. Language translation assistance. Resources for displaced families with children. Transitional homelessness housing.

  17. "Rent Assistance

    Under category it says "Rent Assistance - Landlord Pending Assignment". Does that mean it'll get paid directly to my landlord? I haven't received any emails from a case manager or the program in general. I'm waiting on a call back from the hotline, but am kind of worried since rent is due in a few days.

  18. FACT SHEET: Biden-

    The two agencies will seek information on a broad range of practices that affect the rental market, including the creation and use of tenant background checks, the use of algorithms in tenant ...

  19. CA COVID-19 Rent Relief

    On March 15, 2021, the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program began to accept applications for rent and utility support, helping Californians hit hardest by the pandemic. Tenants and landlords were able to request up to 18-months in assistance covering the time between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2022. As the program continues to issue payments for ...

  20. Rent Arrears

    A COVID-19 Rent Relief Program Tenant Application for your tenant has been approved. A payment request of $## has been approved and payment will be disbursed within 10 to 14 business days to you on behalf of your tenant."

  21. Assistance Providers for Tenants

    Jasmine Mitchem - (816) 513-3008. Services: Tenant/Landlord advisor; provide information regarding rental/utility assistance, legal services for evictions and other services. Community Assistance Council - (816) 763-3277. Services: Homeless Prevention, rental/utility assistance and arrears. Greater KC Housing Information Center - (816 ...

  22. Arizona Rental Assistance Program (ARAP) Frequently Asked Questions for

    You or a member of your household previously received utility-only assistance under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), and did not receive rental assistance benefits. You or a member of your household are currently receiving rental assistance (or subsidy) from any other source, but that benefit does not cover your full rent payment ...