If you’re a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs – or if you’re a landlord trying to stay afloat with tenants in this situation – help may be available. State and local programs are distributing billions of dollars in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic.
Visit the Rental Assistance Finder by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Research on Evictions, their Prevention, and Best Practices
The ERA program makes funding available to states, U.S. territories, local governments, and tribes to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities. These funds may be disbursed to either tenants or landlords.
- Find the program in your area by state, territory, or tribe and apply for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA).
- Find more information on the ERA at the Consumer Finance and Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) web page.
- For additional guidance connect with a housing counselor.
- The National Low Income Housing Coalition is also maintaining a national database with links to begin the application.
Check the Eviction Lab to see if your locality has extended its moratorium.
You can also find and contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA), contact your HUD field office, or look for privately owned subsidized units.
If you are a HUD-assisted resident, you should be provided 30 days notice prior to an eviction. For more information see FHUD FAQs, question EM1.
If the owner of your property is HUD assisted and has used forbearance you may not be evicted until being given 30 days notice after the end of the forbearance.
If you believe you have experienced discrimination in relation to a current or past eviction process review HUD’s fair housing rules around evictions.
If you feel you are being wrongfully evicted, contact your local legal aid organization or social service agencies:
For an overview of your state or territory’s eviction laws see the Legal Services Corporation’s Evictions Laws Database.
Additional Resources
For additional help accessing rental assistance or help with other expenses like bills go to:
- www.usa.gov/help-with-utility-bills,
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or call 866-674-6327,
- Dial 211 or visit 211.org for information on emergency financial assistance,
- Or find your local Community Action Agency.
- Additional local resources by state and territory can be found here.
- PIH’s Tenant Brochure | See language translations.
- Step-by-Step guide for people at risk of eviction
Visit the CFPB’s Rental Assistance Finder to find information on covering rental arrears in your area.
The CFPB has guidance for getting rental assistance and using forbearance to help with mortgage payments.
HUD’s Best Practices for Housing Choice Voucher Landlords also has applicable for information for all landlords.
Visit the CFPB’s Rental Assistance Finder to find information on rental assistance in your area.
For next steps after the eviction moratorium ends review this information.
Additional HUD guidance and resources for COVID-19 can be found here.
Find your Tribes ERA application process here.
Benefits of Eviction Diversion Programs (HUD)
Eviction Prevention and Diversion Programs Early Lessons from the Pandemic (Urban Institute)
Achieving Housing Stability with Eviction Diversion Programs during COVID and Beyond (Regional Housing Legal Services)
The High Cost of Eviction: Struggling to Contain a Growing Social Problem (Mitchell Hamline Law Journal)
Emerging Best Practices for COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (The Aspen Institute)