Worried About Your Rent Payment? You Have Options

The federal ban on evictions protecting renters in counties with high COVID-19 transmissions rates has ended. However, several state and local eviction moratoriums remain in effect.  For all renters experiencing COVID-19-related financial hardships, a new tool is available to help search for assistance with rent payments.  With this tool, renters — and landlords — may identify opportunities to apply for funds to pay rent and utilities or pay any back-rent owed. 

Read on to learn about where you can seek help to pay your rent and utilities and additional resources related to housing and financial relief.

Where can I go to get help paying rent or utility bills?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) launched a new emergency rental assistance finder online. If you need help paying rent, including utilities that came due during the pandemic, you can input your location to find programs in your area and connect with a housing counselor to get help with your application: ConsumerFinance.gov/RentHelp

I’m already facing an eviction. What can I do?

Consulting a lawyer can help you better understand your rights. You could qualify for free legal aid, based on your income. The CFPB offers the following links to:

• Contact your local bar association or legal aid office
• If you are a service member, contact your local Legal Assistance Office

Additional resources

• The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers resources and advice for renters facing financial hardships: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/renter-protections/
• The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has a Rent Relief Resources page, a Covid-19 Resources for Renters page, and a list of housing assistance resources, including a list of agencies that provide housing assistance by city and state: https://www.hud.gov/i_want_to/find_rental_assistance
• Stanford Law School’s Legal Design Lab, a collaboration with The Pew Charitable Trust, has a list of legal resources for housing questions: https://legalfaq.org/getHelp
• The National Housing Law Project maintains a comprehensive list of resources for COVID-related renter and homeowner issues. https://www.nhlp.org/campaign/protecting-renter-and-homeowner-rights-during-our-national-health-crisis-2/