The Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program is designed to assist renters who have been financially challenged due to the COVID pandemic. The program provides rental and utility assistance to Vermont renters facing eviction or disconnection of utility services.

It helps those renters pay past due, current, and future rent as well as home energy costs and other housing related expenses. Eligible utilities include electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash removal, and fuel oil.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
1. Households that pay rent for residential dwellings within the State of Vermont.
2. Households with one or more members who have qualified for unemployment, experienced reduction of income, incurred significant cost, or suffered some other financial hardship directly or indirectly related to the COVID pandemic.
3. Households with one of more member who is facing homelessness or housing instability because of the COVID pandemic.
4. The total household income does not exceed 80% of the area median. Click here to find the income limits for the county in which you live.

Program benefits include:
1. Rent
2. Past due rent dating back to April 1, 2020
3. Past due utility bills including electricity, gas, wood, pellets, fuel oil

How do I apply?
In order to complete the application, you will need the following documentation:
1. 2020 W-2s or 1040 tax form
2. Pay stubs within last 30 days
3. Lease or rental agreement
4. Unemployment benefits letter
5. Eviction notice (if any)
6. Other income documentation (Disability or social security, child support, alimony, pension)
7. Landlord’s legal name

Apply here.

FAQ


Do Section 8 renters or people who live in public housing qualify for assistance?
Yes, as long as the assistance received from this program does not duplicate assistance received from another federal program.

What are considered unsafe or unhealthy living conditions?
1. No water or plumbing or sewer issues
2. Chipping or peeling paint in residential structures built before 1976 and occupied by one or more children under the age of six.
3. Serious mold
4. Red tagged fuel tanks
5. Bedbugs
6. Weatherization initiatives

I have a roommate. Can I apply for assistance?
Yes. If roommates are listed together on the lease, they should apply together. If they have separate leases for their portion of the rent, they should apply individually for the amount they owe.

Is it possible for renters to get the assistance money instead of the landlord?
Funds are issued directly to landlords except in the following circumstances:
1. The landlord will not cooperate.
2. Representatives have made three attempts to contact landlords by phone, text, and email over a ten day period OR
3. Confirmation in writing is made that the landlord will not cooperate.

How long does it take to receive payment?
Once the application is approved, and the landlord’s direct deposit is set up, it takes one to two weeks to receive payment.

What information is needed for a tenant application?
1. Head of Household
2. Name
3. Address
4. Date of birth
5. Social security number
6. Gender and race
7. Phone and email
8. Amount of past due rent
9. Number of past due months (rent and utilities)
10. Household income (all household members 18 or older)
11. Landlord’s legal business name
12. Number in household
13. Lease or rental agreement
14. Eviction notice (if any)

For each household member 18 or older
1. Name
2. Date of birth
3. Gender and race
4. Social security number
5. 2020 W-2 tax form or pay stubs for last sixty days
6. Unemployment benefits (if any)
7. Other sources of income documentation (Social security, pension, disability, child support, alimony)
8. Proof of risk of homelessness (past due or eviction notice, utility disconnection notice)

What information is needed on the application from the landlord?
1. Name
2. Complete address
3. Tax ID number
4. W-9
5. Phone and email
6. Proof of the following:

  • Rental unit complies with Vermont safety code requirements

  • Agreement not to raise rent while renter is receiving benefits

  • Agreement to engage in reasonable weatherization efforts

  • Agreement to contact Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance program if renter moves while still receiving benefits

Who do I contact is I have trouble completing the application?
Click here to find your nearest community partner agency.