If you’re a tenant having trouble paying rent due to the COVID pandemic, or a landlord with tenants behind on their rent, short-term emergency assistance may be available.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
1. To be eligible, you must be a resident of Idaho.
2. You must meet the state’s income limits. You can check your income eligibility here.
3. You must not be able to pay your rent or utility bill because of COVID related hardship.

How do you apply?

  • You will need proof of your income. If you have no income, you will need to complete a Statement of Lost or Zero Income.

  • You must submit a copy of your lease agreement.

  • You must provide a past due rent notice or past due utility bill.

  • You must submit a signed copy of the eligibility form (Spanish version).

  • You must include a government issued photo identification.

  • You must sign and submit a release form.

  • You must provide basic information regarding each household member.

Apply here. Apply here (Spanish version). If you live in Ada County, you must apply here. If you need assistance with the application, call toll free: 1-855-452-0801.

FAQ


Am I eligible if I’m subletting from someone else?
No. The lease or rental agreement must be with the property manager, not the person leasing the unit.

Do certain renters get priority?
Yes. The processing of applications is based on the greatest need. Applications are prioritized if the length of time between submission of the application and processing of the application is more than two weeks.

Applications are prioritized because:
1. Tenants income is below 50% of the area median.
2. A member of the household has been unemployed for 90 days or more.

These applications will be prioritized on the basis of when they were received. Other applications will be prioritized on the basis of when they were received.

Can I get help if I own or rent-to-own a mobile home?
Yes, providing the following:

  • A household member is not a signer or co-signer on the mortgage.

  • A household member does not hold title to the property.

  • A household member has not opted to purchase the property. Additionally, if you lease the lot on which a manufactured home you own is located, you may be able to get assistance with lot rent and/or utilities.

If I’ve already gotten help, can I get more?
Yes, but you must re-apply for the additional assistance. Households that are eligible can receive assistance with past due rent and for a maximum of three months future rent and/or utilities.

How much help can I get?
The amount of assistance is based on the needs of individual households. No household can receive more than 15 months of assistance.

Does the program cover late fees?
Yes, as long as they are not excessive.

Can you negotiate with my landlord or utility company for me?
No. Idaho Housing and Finance will not negotiate between renters and their landlords or utility providers. Consider contacting Idaho Legal Aid for assistance.

My rent is due today. Can you make the payment today?
No. The application process can take a week to ten days. You have to allow an additional week to ten days for the payment to be received via U.S. mail.

How does the landlord receive the payment?
If the landlord is currently an Idaho Housing vendor, the payment can be sent electronically. The majority of payments will be mailed. You should allow a week to ten days after application approval for the payment to arrive.

I am a landlord and want to submit an application on my tenant’s behalf. Can I do that?
Yes. You can complete an application using the tenant’s information. The tenant must sign the application and receive a copy of it.

Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No.

I need a place to stay temporarily. Will the program cover the cost of a motel room?
Yes. but only if the household has been displaced from a permanent residence. Documents regarding the motel stay must be submitted as well as all the other required information. The program will not pay for motel incidentals (internet, room service).

Can I get paid back for rent I paid but couldn’t afford?
No.

What if I don’t have all the required documents?
You can still submit an application, but the processing will take longer.

Can I apply for rent and utility assistance on one application?
Yes.

I haven’t gotten an eviction notice yet. Can I still apply for assistance?
Yes. An eviction notice is not a requirement. You will need a statement from your landlord documenting the past due amounts and the dates.

How do I prove I don’t have any income?
If you don’t have proof of zero income, you must sign the Zero-Loss of Income Certification.

I own a home and can’t make my mortgage payments. Can I get assistance from this program?
No. The program only assists individuals with past due rent and utility bills.