ERAP for Renters

Eligibility

An "eligible household" is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the following criteria:

1. Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median.
2. Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19.
3. Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Eligible households that include an individual who has been unemployed for 90 days prior to application for assistance and households with income at or below 50 percent of the area median are to be prioritized for assistance.

Household income is determined as either the household’s total income for calendar year 2020 or the household's monthly income at the time of application. For household incomes determined using the latter method, income eligibility must be redetermined every 3 months. Rental assistance provided to an eligible household should not be duplicative of any other federally funded rental assistance provided to such household.

Available Assistance

Available Assistance is determined by local ERAP administrators, but generally speaking, eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, plus an additional 3 months if the grantee determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and grantee funds are available. The payment of existing housing-related arrears that could result in eviction of an eligible household is prioritized. Assistance must be provided to reduce an eligible household’s rental arrears before the household may receive assistance for future rent payments. Once a household's rental arrears are reduced, grantees may only commit to providing future assistance for up to three months at a time. Households may reapply for additional assistance at the end of the three-month period if needed and the overall time limit for assistance is not exceeded.