Emergency Rental Assistance

About This Program

Emergency Rental Assistance programs provide one-time or short-term funds to renters who have fallen behind on rent or utilities due to financial hardship, with the goal of preventing eviction. Unlike Section 8 (which is an ongoing subsidy), ERAP is designed for households that were previously stable but have fallen into arrears due to job loss, medical bills, or other crises. Funds are paid directly to landlords and utility companies, not to tenants. ERAP programs are administered by states, counties, and cities with federal funding provided through COVID-19 relief legislation and other appropriations. Because programs are locally administered, eligibility rules, maximum benefit amounts, application processes, and whether funding is currently available all vary by location. Some local programs have exhausted their initial allocations; others have received new funding rounds. To apply, contact your local ERAP program through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rental assistance finder at consumerfinance.gov/renthelp. You will generally need documentation of rental arrears (overdue rent statements), proof of income or financial hardship, and your lease or landlord contact information. Landlords must typically agree to participate in the program. Many ERAP programs require landlords to waive late fees and agree not to pursue eviction for a period after receiving payment. If your landlord refuses to participate, some programs have alternative pathways or can make payments to tenants directly.

Eligibility Requirements

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