COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program

About the Program

The Rental Assistance Program is available to renters who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligibility

An “eligible household” is defined as a rental household in which at least one or more individuals meets the following criteria:

• Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19;
• Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and,
• Has a household income at or below 80% of the area median.

Available Assistance

Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, plus an additional 3 months if the grantee determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and grantee funds are available. The payment of existing housing-related arrears that could result in eviction is prioritized. Assistance will be provided to reduce rental arrears before providing assistance for future rent payments. Future rent assistance will be provided for only up to three months at a time. Households may re-apply for additional assistance at the end of the three-month period.