The New York State emergency rental assistance program provides substantial relief to low and moderate income households experiencing trouble paying rent and utility bills because of the COVID pandemic.

There are seven communities in the state that received their own funding directly from the federal government and have decided to administer their own programs. Those communities are:
City of Rochester and Monroe County
City of Yonkers
Onondaga County
and the towns of
Hempstead, Islip and Oyster Bay

Residents of these communities must apply through their programs. They are not eligible for the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
1. Renting households whose income does not exceed 80% of the area median. This is determined by the county in which you reside and the household size. Click here to see the limits in the eligible counties.
2. A household member, on or before March 13, 2020, qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant cost, or suffered some other financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Applicant is renting the primary residence and has past due rent incurred on or after March 13, 2020.
4. The household is at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

Proof of Immigration status is not a requirement of the program. Applicants behind on utility bills may also be eligible for assistance. Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis and will continue as long as funds are available.

Benefits include:
1. Up to 12 months of past due rent accrued on or after March 13, 2020.
2. Up to three months of future rent if the household pays 30% or more on monthly rent.
3. Up to 12 months of past due utility bills accrued on or after March 13, 2020.

Payments are made directly to landlords and utility providers. Tenants will be notified when payments have been made.

How do I apply?
Tenants will need the following documentation to complete the application:
1. Photo identification (driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, school registration, EBT benefits card)
2. Social security number for any household member who has one. Immigration status is not a requirement of the program.
3. Rental amount proof (lease, canceled checks, money orders, rent receipts)
4. Residency and occupancy proof (lease, rent receipt, driver’s license, insurance or utility bill)
5. Proof of income
6. Documents showing monthly income for prior month (pay stubs, unemployment benefits letter, bank deposits)
OR
Documents showing annual income for 2020 (tax returns, W-2 from employer, 1040 tax form)
7. Copy of utility bill is utility assistance is being requested

Landlords will need the following documentation to complete the application:
1. W-9
2. Fully executed lease (if no lease is available, cancelled checks, proof of funds transfer, or other documentation)
3. Proof of rent due (rent ledger). Do not include non-rent items like parking and late fees.
4. Banking information for direct deposit

Landlords must also agree to the following terms:
1. The assistance funds satisfied the renter’s obligations through the payment period.
2. Waive late fees due on rent amounts paid by the program.
3. Will not raise rent during the time program payments are being made and for one year after program payments have ended.
4. Will not evict renters for expired lease or holdover tenancy for one year from assistance payment receipt. Exception: Rental property has four or less units and the owner's immediate family member intends to occupy the unit as primary residence.

Apply here.

FAQ


Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get rental assistance?
No. This program will not request immigration status documentation.

What happens if rent includes the cost of utilities?
If renters don’t pay their utilities separately, the program will include the utility costs in with past due and future rent.

Does the utility assistance include water and internet service?
No. Only gas and electric bills are eligible for assistance.

Are past due electric bills for renters living in sub-metered apartments covered?
Yes, if you have the required documentation.

Are you eligible if no one in your household has had COVID?
Yes. Having COVID is not a requirement of the program. You must have experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs, or suffered some other financial hardship directly or indirectly related to COVID.

I share an apartment with a roommate and am not on the lease. I give my part of the rent to my roommate. Can I get assistance with this program?
You may be able to get assistance if you can document a rent history. Payments will be made directly to the landlord, if rent is owed. If the landlord isn’t owed money because your roommate paid the rent, you aren’t eligible for assistance.

I sublease my apartment, and the person who subleases hasn’t paid me the rent due. Can that person get assistance to pay the rent?
Possibly. If the landlord hasn’t been paid, the sublessee can apply for assistance. They will have to show proof of the rental obligation. Payment will be made directly to the landlord. If you paid the landlord, the sublessee is not eligible for rent assistance.

I rent a single room. Can I apply for assistance?
Yes, as long as you meet all the other application requirements.

I live in a homeless shelter. Can I get help to get an apartment?
No. Renters must show they have a current rental obligation for their primary residence