Minnesota Emergency Rental Assistance: 2024 Application Guide

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Some programs offering emergency rental assistance have ended since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are still several Minnesota emergency rental assistance programs available to help residents facing housing insecurity. It can be challenging to face losing your home but there are state and local programs here to help. Learn more about the programs available to you and how they impact the communities they serve.

Minnesota State Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

Here are some popular programs that are available across the state of Minnesota.

RentHelpMN Targeted Assistance

The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency administers the RentHelpMN Targeted Assistance program, which offers residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This referral-based program is federally funded and aims to provide housing stability. Program administrators identify eligible renters and walk them through the application process.

Here are the main qualifying criteria for this program:

  • At or below 80% of the local median income.

  • At risk of housing insecurity.

  • Suffered financial hardship or unemployment during the pandemic.

Minnesota Housing Trust Fund Rental Assistance Program

The Minnesota Housing Trust Fund Rental Assistance Program provides qualified occupants of income-restricted properties with rent and utility payments. To qualify for this program, residents must have suffered financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis. Payments are made directly to landlords and property owners on behalf of program participants.

Here are the main qualifying criteria for this program:

  • At or below 80% of the local median income.

  • Must have experienced a loss of household income due to COVID-19.

  • Must not currently receive full rental assistance.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) Rental Assistance

The Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Rental Assistance program provides households with back rent payments and future rent payments. Payments are made directly to property owners on behalf of program recipients.

Here are the main qualifying criteria for this program:

  • At or below 80% of the local median income.

  • Must have experienced a loss of household income due to COVID-19.

Hennepin County Emergency Rental Assistance

Hennepin County offers emergency assistance for qualifying residents facing financial hardship and housing insecurity. Residents can use program funds to pay rent and utilities. Several nonprofits and service organizations collaborate under this program. Residents may qualify for multiple services with one application under this program.

Here are the main qualifying criteria for this program:

  • At or below 80% of the local median income.

  • Must have experienced a loss of household income due to COVID-19.

  • Must reside in Hennepin County.

Emergency Rental Assistance in Ramsey County, MN

Ramsey County offers its residents emergency rental assistance to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program prioritizes individuals and families facing imminent eviction and housing insecurity.

Here are the main qualifying criteria for this program:

  • At or below 80% of the local median income.

  • Must have experienced a loss of household income due to COVID-19.

  • Must reside in Ramsey County.

East Central Minnesota Emergency Housing Assistance

The East Central Minnesota Emergency Housing Assistance program offers qualified residents funds for rent, mortgage, and utility payments. This program aims to keep Minnesota residents in their homes by avoiding eviction. 

Here are the main qualifying criteria for this program:

  • Proof of qualifying income for all adults.

  • Documentation of rental agreement.

  • Documentation of overdue payments and housing insecurities.

Itasca and Koochiching Counties Crisis Rent Assistance Program

Applicants to the Itasca and Kooching Counties Crisis Rent Assistance program must go through a phone or in-person screening to determine if they qualify for assistance. This program is aimed at preventing evictions and keeping people in their homes. Residents must provide the following documentation to be considered:

  • Verification of the last 30 days of household income.

  • Third-party verification of homelessness (if relevant).

  • Notice of eviction (if relevant).

  • Documentation of crisis.

  • Documentation of any funds paid toward managing the crisis.

Scott and Carver Counties Energy Assistance

The Scott and Carver Counties Energy Assistance program helps qualified residents pay for rent, utility bills, and heating costs. Program funds can apply to utility disconnections and fuel delivery as well. This program is focused on providing vulnerable families access to essential services. Income requirements for this program vary based on the size of your household.

How Rental Support Benefits Minnesota Communities

When long-term residents lose their housing to eviction, Minnesota communities suffer. Keeping residents in their homes often means keeping them in their jobs and schools. Poverty and housing insecurity weaken our communities. That’s why rental assistance programs are so important. Many communities have struggled to bounce back from the lasting effects of the pandemic. Rental assistance programs offer real solutions. 

Find Help With Rent in Minnesota

If you’re facing the challenges of housing insecurity in Minnesota, you don’t have to tackle it alone. There are many programs available at the state and local level to help you avoid eviction and remain in your home. It can feel overwhelming to apply for assistance but help is available from program administrators. Many offer in-person or over-the-phone assistance with applications. 

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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.