Help may be available for renters who are having difficulty paying rent, utilities, or other housing expenses. Local and state programs accept applications from landlords and renters to distribute funds from the Department of Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance.
You might think of rental assistance for landlords as renters’ help. However, federal emergency rental assistance programs are open to landlords. Renters may apply for assistance, but they will often need your assistance to complete the process.
How Can I Apply For Emergency Rental Assistance?
Apply through your local emergency rental assistance program. Local programs have some flexibility when it comes to how they structure policies and procedures to meet the needs of local communities. In some cases, you may be able to apply for rental assistance by yourself. In some areas, landlords must first submit an application.
Can I Get Emergency Rental Assistance?
You must have a signed agreement to rent your mobile home or home for rent in order to be eligible for assistance. A signed lease is not necessary. Your home can be an apartment, a house, or any other type of property.
How Do I Prove That I Am Eligible?
Eligibility depends on the financial status and housing needs of the renter household. You will need to prove that your income is sufficient and that you are experiencing housing instability in order to be eligible for emergency rental assistance.
You will need to prove that your tenant is eligible for assistance if you are a landlord. A written statement must be signed stating that all information provided in your application is accurate and complete and that emergency rental assistance will be used to pay the expenses.
Will My Local Agency Send Me The Rental Assistance?
It all depends on the way your local program operates. Sometimes, the program might contact your landlord or utility provider to request emergency rental assistance in order to repay what you owe. If they refuse to agree or do not respond within seven working days, the local program might be able to provide the money.
You will then need to use the money you receive from the program to pay your landlord or utility. Other times, your local program may give you the money immediately, without having to contact your landlord. You must use the money to repay what you owe.
Emergency Rental Assistance Has Short-Term Benefits
These analyses show that emergency rental assistance has significant benefits for housing stability and financial well-being. ERA recipients are less likely not to fall behind on rent. Additionally, they have at least a portion covered for their rent and utilities.
This helps them to avoid other financial stresses. It is important to remember the many benefits of ERA, as funds can go unutilized in certain places and run out elsewhere. Even though the reallocation of funds occurs, however, it is temporary and finite in nature.
Many renters are still experiencing financial distress and housing instability. Renters will need to be able to stay stable if they receive continued, strengthened emergency rental assistance through emergency programs or existing rental housing subsidies.
