There are government agencies, non-profits, and charities ready to help individuals who find themselves facing eviction and notices to quit. If you need help now, you may be able to qualify for loans or other types of funds to pay your rent immediately. The type of assistance and the amount available will depend on the agency and the funds they have on hand.

Special COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium

Due to the financial difficulties the coronavirus has placed on millions of Americans, Congress passed the Cares Act. Among other things, this act put in place an eviction moratorium for renters who are currently living in HUD Multifamily assisted and FHA insured properties. The moratorium runs from March 27, 2020, until July 25, 2020.

This means during this time period landlords can't evict tenants or charge late fees. Landlords can file evictions after July 25, 2020, and after giving 30 days’ notice. If your income has been decreased, discuss recertification with your landlord. You should also discuss a repayment plan with your landlord if you're behind on your rent. 

The moratorium does not prevent evictions filed prior to March 27, 2020, or after July 25, 2020. It does not stop evictions based on any circumstances except those involving non-payment of rent due, past due fees, and other charges related to non-payment.

General Information for Renters Needing Assistance

Because of the limited funds available to the programs that offer emergency rental assistance, the elderly, the disabled, needy families with children, and those facing immediate crises are given application preference. Individuals who have shown an unwillingness or inability to do the work necessary to become self-sufficient may find it difficult to qualify for rent assistance. They may be referred to other agencies more likely to help them.

Program case managers evaluate applicants in part on how much they want to improve their financial situations and have shown the ability to do so. The assistance provided is usually short term, and applicants must show the ability to transfer to long term situations. Once approved, many agencies have the capacity to transfer funds electronically getting them into the hands of renters in crisis in a matter of days.

Since emergency rental assistance is a short term solution, applicants are usually required to have some plan showing caseworkers how they intend to pay for their long term, future housing. In order to help ensure applicants are working toward self-sufficiency, rent assistance programs often require the applicants to enroll in a period of counseling with case managers. Case managers may refer their clients to other agencies that offer assistance. 

Local churches often help those in need of emergency cash for housing. You may or may not have to be affiliated with the specific church. The funds they have available are almost always limited. Churches are not meant to be a source for long term assistance.

All of these services are offered free of charge to anyone in a crisis situation, including the unemployed and those with medical emergencies. You can visit the search portion of this website to find housing authorities, non-profits, and charities that offer emergency rent assistance near you.

Most organizations have very limited availability when it comes to funding. When you call, be sure to have all your documentation in order. Agencies are most likely to accept applications from those who are in the middle of an unexpected crisis and would otherwise be able to pay their rent. They may require participants in their programs to enroll in self-sufficiency classes and be assigned to a case manager who monitors their progress.

No Credit and Low Income Loans

Non-profits and banks offer small loans to low and moderate income individuals with poor credit scores. The money is made available through donations and the FDIC. These loans are alternatives to high-cost credit products on the market and show that banks can make hardship loans and remain profitable.

Hardship loans are available to households regardless of race, ethnicity, or age. Interest rates are affordable even for those with low credit scores. This alternative is preferable to payday loans, unsecured personal loans with high interest rates, and the fees charged for overdraft protection.

These loan programs are tailored for individuals and families with very low incomes and no or low credit ratings. Checking and saving accounts are not required to qualify. The money can be used for paying bills, educational and business expenses, and medical emergencies.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) offers emergency loans that are short term and low interest. You can get up to $2500 even if you are living in poverty and have no credit score. The goal with these loans is to provide an alternative to payday loans and overdraft programs. Many needy individuals turn to loan sharks charging triple-digit interest because it provides them with the quick cash they need.

You can typically get up to $2500 with these small-dollar amount loans. The interest rate ranges from 14% to 18% which is significantly lower than the rates charged by payday loan companies or what it costs to cover insufficient funds on your bank account. The loans offered by non-profit organizations have similar terms to the banks and the FDIC.

These resources are available to single mothers, immigrants, and those who are underemployed. One of the big benefits of these small-dollar loans for individuals who pay them back on time is the opportunity to reenter the mainstream lending market. They improve their credit scores. Payday loans, in contrast, do not report your payment history to the credit agencies even if you make all your payments on time.

There are no hidden fees or overdraft charges associated with FDIC small-dollar loans. The repayment terms recommended by the U.S. Controller General to banks is two months to a year. Check with your local banks and credit unions to see if they offer these loans. There may be non-profit community loan centers in your area willing to help. You can also try online lenders.