The emergency rental assistance program is one of the best provisions from the $900 billion Covid-19 stimulus package and the $1.4 trillion government spending bill.

At first, President Trump refused to sign the covid-19 relief bill.  He demanded Congress to provide $2,000 direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 per year and couples making up to $150,000 per year.

He reneged on his demand and signed the bill.  The 43 million rental households in the U.S. should rejoice because the bill has a massive $25 billion rental assistance provision in it.

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE

The $900 billion Covid-19 stimulus package and the $1.4 trillion government spending bill will provide $600 direct payments to most Americans, give forgivable loans to qualified businesses via the  Paycheck Protection Program, and increase food and farm aid subsidies.

The aforementioned provisions were part of the original CARES Act that the president signed into law back in March.  

The CARES Act included a 120-day federal eviction moratorium for renters, but it did not include direct rental assistance.  President Trump extended the federal eviction moratorium back in August.

Renters who have been postponing their rents for the past 9 months will have a chance to apply for rental assistance and bring their balances current.

Who Is Qualified for Rental Assistance

 One or more individuals has

• • Qualified for unemployment benefits or 
  • experienced a reduction in households income
  • incurred high cost, or experienced other financial hardship dues, directly or indirectly to the pandemic
  • A past due utility  or rent notice or eviction notice
  • Unsafe or unhealthy living condition or 
  • any  other evidence of such risk

Top 10 most expensive cities for renters

According to zumper, $2,491 is the average rent of a one-bedroom in the US cities with the highest rent.  Renters who have been postponing their rent for the past 9 months are about $22,419 in arrears if they live in any of those 10 cities listed above.  

The monthly median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the United States is about $1,079 per month.  The average American renter would be about $9,700 in arrears by year-end if they postponed their rent payments back in March or April.

How Can I Apply for Rental Assistance

The federal government will divvy up the funds amongst the states and territories.  Renters will have to apply for assistance from their state or local government. 

Your state will most likely send the funds to your local government housing authority, which will administer the program.  So, you need to check with your local government continuously over the next few weeks.

Your landlord can also assist you in applying for the program. You need to reach out to your landlord if you need help.