Arkansas offers two programs to its residents to assist with rent. The first is the Arkansas Rent Relief Program. The second is the Emergency Solutions Grant Program.

The Arkansas Rent Relief Program


This program helps renters who need assistance with past due and future rent and utilities because of COVID-19 related circumstances. Landlords with tenants who have past due rent may also apply. Once approved, the funds go directly to landlords and utility companies. You can apply online at theArkansas Department of Human Services website.

Note:Benton, Pulaski, and Washington County residents must apply for assistance through their county of residence.
Benton County
Pulaski County
Washington County

How to qualify


Your household must meet one of the following criteria:

  • A household member qualifies for unemployment benefits

  • The pandemic reduced your household income

  • A household member suffered significant pandemic related financial loss (job loss, medical expenses for example)


AND
Household income doesn’t not exceed eligibility in the county of your residence (area median income)

Renters must provide the following documentation:

  • Copy of lease or rental agreement

  • Government issued photo identification

  • Evidence of financial hardship related to COVID

  • Proof you are renting a property in Arkansas

  • Proof of household income (include each household member who files federal taxes)

  • Proof of unstable housing

  • Landlord’s phone number and email address


Landlords must provide the following documentation:

  • Government issued photo identification

  • Copy of lease or rental agreement

  • Tenant’s phone number and email address

What is covered under the Arkansas Rent Relief Program?

  • Past due rent and a maximum of five percent of late fees dating back to April 1, 2020.

  • Past due water, gas, and electricity bills (does not include past due phone or internet bills)

  • Future rent through December 31, 2021 (renters must apply for future rents a maximum of three months at a time)

  • A maximum of 15 months of rent payments from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021.

COVID-19 Emergency Solutions Grant


The Department of Human Services Division of Community Operations partners with community organizations throughout Arkansas to distribute funds to residents who are in danger of becoming homeless or who have already become homeless because of the pandemic. There are four categories being funded:

Homeless Prevention:Funds are available to assist renters who risk homelessness. The goal is to keep them in their homes or help them relocate.
Rapid Rehousing:helps those who are homeless find housing and transition to stability.
Emergency Shelter:supports shelter operations and offers services to shelter residents (transportation, child care, skills training)
Street Outreach:engages with individuals who are homeless and not currently living in housing or a shelter

More information on this program can be found by going to thecontact listweb page.

FAQ


Can I get assistance if I’m already receiving assistance through another program?
The program will only pay rent and utilities that are not covered by another program.

Do applicants have to be legal residents of the United States?
Yes. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal aliens to qualify for the program. Supporting documentation (driver’s license, birth certificate, government issued photo identification) must be included with the application.

Am I eligible if I live with a relative and pay rent to them?
No. You are not eligible for this program.

Am I eligible if I rent from a relative?
Yes. You must have a current lease agreement that shows you live in a separate location from the relative from whom you rent.

Is there a limit on the amount of rent the program pays for?
Not at this time.

Can I still be evicted if I am in this program?
Before your landlord can receive any rent payment, they must certify they won’t evict you for non-payment of rent during the time the program is paying rent on your behalf. You should attend any court proceedings and show proof that you are receiving assistance.

Is there an application deadline?
No deadline has been established at this time. You can get rent assistance from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021.

What happens if my landlord doesn’t want to participate in the program?
Landlords must apply with the tenants before eligibility review. Landlords will be emailed several times in an attempt to get them to apply. If you are applying for utility only assistance, you do not need the landlord’s cooperation.

Do landlords with multiple rental properties have to fill out applications for each one?
Yes. Landlords must fill out separate applications for each unit. The online application system has an auto-fill feature that helps expedite the process.

Are the applications available in multiple languages?
Yes. They are available in Spanish and Marshallese.

How do I find out whether or not my application has been approved?
You will receive email notification informing you that you have been accepted or denied.