Rent Relief Application: Apply for Rental Assistance Today

Rent relief is a form of assistance that helps tenants cover their monthly rent payments in times of hardship. The goal of most rent relief programs is to provide rapid assistance to increase housing stability by preventing evictions and helping individuals stay in their homes.

Who Is Eligible For Rent Relief?

In order to be eligible for rent relief you must meet certain criteria which typically includes temporary financial hardship due to job loss, loss of income, or other circumstances that has made it impossible for you to keep up with rent payments. Generally speaking, individuals seeking rent relief will have to provide evidence of the current hardship.

Tips For Securing Rent Relief

Securing rent relief can often feel overwhelming but knowing what resources are available at both federal and state levels goes long way towards making the whole process much easier to navigate through. First off, do your research. Unlike housing vouchers and other subsidized programs, rent relief programs are often offered by non-profits, community action centers, and other charitable organizations. Make a list of all possible resources to help find a rent relief program that has available funding.

How to Apply for Rent Relief

The application process for rent relief programs can vary depending on the program, but generally involves the following steps:

  • Research available rent relief programs: Start by researching the rent relief programs available in your area in the table below. While this list is by no means complete it does provide you with the most prominent agency in each state which will be a good place to help you get started.

  • Check eligibility requirements: Before applying for rent relief, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the program you're interested in. Again, this typically will involve the ability to prove that you are currently facing an extreme hardship. TIP (Eviction notices are usually solid evidence to demonstrate you are facing a hardship worth of rent relief.)

  • Gather required documents: Rent relief applications typically require specific documentation, such as a copy of your lease agreement, proof of income, and identification. Make sure you have all the required documents before starting your application.

  • Submit your application: Once you have gathered all the required documents, submit your application. Be sure to submit your application as requested by the agency providing the rent relief.

  • Follow up on your application: After submitting your application, follow up to ensure that it has been received and is being reviewed. Depending on the program, you may need to provide additional documentation or information.

Continue reading to find a list of available rent relief programs in each state.

Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP)

ERAP differs from other rent relief programs in that it is specifically intended to help individuals facing an immediate risk of eviction or homelessness. Emergency Rental Assistance Programs are typically provided by government agencies whereas other rent relief programs can be administered by any non profit or other charitable organization. For additional information on state emergency rental assistance programs view this list.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Rental Assistance?

In general, rental assistance programs try to process applications and provide assistance as quickly as possible. Because rent relief if designed to provide immediate assistance, most programs strive to distribute funds as quickly as possible.

The following table shows a list of rent relief programs in all 50 states. This is not a complete list but can be a good starting point.

Rent Relief - Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

Rent Relief Programs in All 50 US States

View Additional Rent Relief Programs Here
State Phone Number Website
Alabama 877-261-0060 View Website
Alaska 833-430-2122 View Website
Arizona 833-912-0878 View Website
Arkansas 855-736-8275 View Website
California 833-430-2122 View Website
Colorado 888-480-0066 View Website
Connecticut 844-864-8328 View Website
Delaware 866-935-0407 View Website
Florida 833-493-0594 View Website
Georgia 833-827-7368 View Website
Hawaii 808-521-HELP (4357) View Website
Idaho 855-452-0801 View Website
Illinois 866-454-3571 View Website
Indiana 833-201-0974 View Website
Iowa 855-300-5885 View Website
Kansas 866-573-7011 View Website
Kentucky 877-597-2337 View Website
Louisiana 877-459-6555 View Website
Maine 800-452-4668 View Website
Maryland 877-546-5595 View Website
Massachusetts 800-224-5124 View Website
Michigan 866-313-2520 View Website
Minnesota 833-600-3453 View Website
Mississippi 888-725-0063 View Website
Missouri 833-541-1599 View Website
Montana 833-317-1080 View Website
Nebraska 833-588-1011 View Website
Nevada 833-890-2096 View Website
New Hampshire 800-649-0470 View Website
New Jersey 609-490-4550 View Website
New Mexico 833-485-1334 View Website
New York 844-691-7368 View Website
North Carolina 844-718-3177 View Website
North Dakota 701-328-2452 View Website
Ohio 844-639-8926 View Website
Oklahoma 866-621-6300 View Website
Oregon 211 View Website
Pennsylvania 877-356-1847 View Website
Rhode Island 855-608-8756 View Website
South Carolina 800-476-0412 View Website
South Dakota 605-773-3181 View Website
Tennessee 844-500-1112 View Website
Texas 833-989-7368 View Website
Utah 866-221-0265 View Website
Vermont 800-569-4287 View Website
Virginia 866-454-8346 View Website
Washington 844-625-8440 View Website
West Virginia 866-623-6284 View Website
Wisconsin 844-314-5556 View Website
Wyoming 877-290-6732 View Website

Carol Bianchi

Carol Bianchi is a staff writer for Affordable Housing Hub. Her role includes sourcing up to date information and news on affordable housing programs within the U.S. and bringing that information to the readers of Affordable Housing Hub.