Click here to begin the application process.

Residents of Davidson, Knox, Richardson, and Shelby Counties contact the following for more information:
Davidson County: Metro Action Commission | 615-862-7368
https://www.nashville.gov/Metro-Action-Commission.aspx
Knox County: https://knoxhousingassistance.org/
Rutherford County: http://rutherfordcountytn.gov/rental-relief-program | 615-334-4777
Shelby County/Memphis: http://home901.org/covid-resources/

How to Qualify

General Questions

How do I get in touch with the call center?
Dial 844-500-1112. Call center hours are 7:00am – 8:00pm central (8:00am – 9:00pm eastern) Monday through Saturday.

Is there a deadline for assistance?
Because funding is limited, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Are certain applicants given priority?
Yes. The program is required to prioritize the following applicants:
1. Households whose income is at or below 50% of the area median
2. Households with one of more members who have been unemployed for 90 days or longer

Can I get assistance with my utilities?
Yes. The program will pay for up to 12 months of past due utility payments. It will pay for electricity, gas, sewer, water, and trash only. Future utility payments are not eligible for payment.

Does the program cover late fees?
Yes. Late fees on past due rent and utility bills are eligible for repayment. The program will also pay for attorney and court fees due to an eviction proceeding.

Eligibility Questions

Who is eligible?
Residents who experience financial hardship dating back to March 13, 2020 due to the COVID pandemic and who meet the other criteria required by the program.

Are there income limits that can’t be exceeded to qualify for the program?
Yes. Household incomes cannot exceed 80% of the area median. Click here to find the income limit in your county of residence.

Can homeowners get assistance through this program?
No. This program is only open to renters.

Can people who rent or own mobile homes qualify for this program?
Yes. Mobile home renters and mobile home owners who rent the lots their mobile homes sit on are eligible for assistance as long as they meet the other required criteria.

I rent with an option to purchase. Can I receive assistance?
Yes, as long as you meet the following requirements:
Have experienced some type of financial hardship dating back to March 13, 2020 and due directly or indirectly to the COVID pandemic.

Confirm that no member of your household:
1. Is a signer or co-signer on the property mortgage
2. Holds the deed or title to the property
3. Has exercised the option to purchase

Application Questions

What documents are needed to apply?
Tenants
1. Government issued identification for the household member on the lease (driver’s license, passport, green card, U.S. Visa)
2. Lease or rental agreement
3. Affidavit of hardship
4. Past due or eviction notices
5. Past due utility bill (if applying for utility assistance)
6. Proof of income
7. Copy of court ordered Declaration of Emancipation or marriage license for emancipated minors

Landlords
1. Government issued identification (driver’s license, passport, green card, U.S. Visa)
2. Proof of past due rent (rent ledger, court filings)
3. Corporate resolution
4. Completed W-9
5. Tenant certification form
6. Proof of authorized representative (if representing a condominium)

How much assistance can I receive?
Households can receive up to 12 months of assistance with an additional three months of future rent to ensure housing stability. Renters who are only applying for future rent will have to re-certify every three months.

Can landlords apply for their tenants?
Landlords can initiate the application process, but both landlords and tenants are required to provide documentation and certifications.

Payment Questions

Who gets the assistance money?
Funds are sent directly to landlords and utility providers on behalf of renters.

How do tenants know when landlords and utility providers get payment?
Tenants can verify payments through the online portal.

How long does it take to get assistance?
At the present time, it takes approximately 30 days for landlords and utility providers to get funds after submitting a complete application.

What happens if I’m turned down for assistance?
You will have an opportunity to appeal the program’s decision.

Is the assistance money taxable?
No. Assistance funds are not considered income for tenants and will not affect eligibility for other federal government programs.

I am a landlord who got paid for a tenant who doesn’t live on my property. What do I do?
To return the funds, you need to complete a Rent Relief Return of Funds form and mail it along with a check made payable to THDA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program to

THDA COVID-19 Returned Funds
8 Cadillac Drive, Suite 160
Brentwood, TN 37027

Miscellaneous Questions

Should I apply if I owe more back rent than the program is able to provide?
Yes. If you are approved you can receive up to 12 months of past due rent which should be able to keep you from eviction while you work out a repayment plan with your landlord.

I’ve already been evicted. Will the program pay for a security deposit and first month’s rent so I can get into a new place?
You can get up to three months of future rent, but the program does not pay for deposits at this time.