The Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program helps renters with financial assistance for past due rent and utility bills. If you have questions about the program or how to apply, contact the Housing Recovery Support Team at 1-515-348-8813 or 1-855-300-5885.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
1. Renter households whose income does not exceed 80% of the area median. To find out what 80% of area median is in the county you live in, click here.
2. One or more member of a renter household has qualified for unemployment.
OR
Has experienced an income reduction, suffered significant financial hardship or incurred significant cost that is directly or indirectly related to COVID-19.
3. The household can prove it has been at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

These households are ineligible:

  • Households whose income exceeds 80% of the area median.

  • No household member qualifies for unemployment or has experienced income reduction, suffered financial hardship or are at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

  • Households that can’t produce the required documents

  • Households that are subletting or subleasing

  • Homeowners

Note: If you live in Linn County, Polk County, or the City of Des Moines, you cannot apply for assistance through the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program.

For more information on how to receive assistance in Linn County, click here.
For more information on how to receive assistance in Polk County and the City of Des Moines, click here.

How do I apply?
To apply you will need the following:

1. Proof of identification

  • Driver’s license

  • Passport

  • Government issued identification


OR

  • Social Security card

  • Student ID

  • Birth certificate

  • DOT demographics form


2. Income eligibility documents
3. Unemployment benefits approval for one or more household members
4. Statement attesting that one or more household members has suffered reduced income, significant cost, or some other financial hardship
5. One or more of the following documents:

  • Past due rent notice

  • Past due utility bill notice

  • 30 day notice of periodic tenancy

  • Eviction lawsuit notice or notice of eviction hearing date

  • Proof household pays more than 50% of income on rent

  • Proof rent has been put on credit cards to avoid eviction


Begin the application process here.

Priority will be given to applicants that include a household member unemployed for more than 90 days or that have incomes falling below 50% of area median.

Landlord verification is required before the application process can be completed.

Application process for landlords
Landlords have two options when applying. 1)They can start the application process on their own and let the program servicers contact the tenant requesting that they complete their portion of the application. 2)They can complete their portion of the application upon notification that the tenant has applied and is requesting that the landlord complete the process.

To start the process landlords will have to do the following:
1. Set up an account and password. You can do that here.
2. Provide basic personal information
3. Provide banking information for payment
4. Provide property details for eligible tenants
5. Upload property documents (W-9. The more documents landlords provide, the faster the application process will go.)
6. Agree to waive late fees and penalties incurred to date
7. Agree not to evict
8. Sign and submit

FAQ


Am I guaranteed assistance if I apply?
No. Only complete applications that include all the required documentation, in a readable fashion, will be processed for review. Applicants will receive notice of incomplete applications with instructions on what information is needed to complete them. Funds will not be held in reserve for incomplete applications.

Landlords are required to complete their portion of the application and agree to the terms. Failure to complete the application within a 14 day period by the landlord will result in a delay of assistance to the renter.

Do you have to be affected by COVID to receive assistance?
Yes. You must show proof of negative financial impact as it is related to COVID.

If you only need utility bill assistance, can you still apply?
Yes. You are allowed to apply for utility assistance only.

Can you apply for rent assistance only?
Yes.

Can you qualify for assistance if you receive unemployment benefits?
Yes. You won’t be disqualified because you receive unemployment. You must meet all the other eligibility requirements though.

Can you use the program money for anything other than rent or utilities?
No.

How long can I receive assistance?
Renters can receive up to 12 months of assistance dating back to March 13, 2020. Assistance cannot be applied to future rent or utility bills. Funding is available through September 30, 2021 or until funds are exhausted prior to September 30.

How will I get the money?
Funds are paid directly to landlords and utility providers and applied to renters’ past due rent and utility bills.

If you have a rent-to-own agreement, are you still eligible for assistance?
You might be. If you are renting with the option to purchase, you can receive assistance under the following circumstances:

  • A household member is not a signer on the mortgage

  • A household member does not have title to the property

  • A household member has not exercised the option to purchase