If you or someone you know is looking for help with housing costs, you’re not alone. You can get help paying rent.
State and local groups are distributing federal help to people who need help paying rent. The money can help landlords and renters who are struggling to keep up with rent and other bills.
Many programs take applications from both landlords and renters. Which means the landlord needs to apply with the renter. The money is usually paid directly to the landlord from the agency. This program helps Missouri families get help paying rent, avoid eviction, and get caught up on utilities. This program also helps mom-and-pop landlords continue to stay in business even if their tenants have lost income.
Help is Available for Renters and Landlords
State and local programs are distributing billions of dollars in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the Pandemic. There is help with rent for both renters and landlords who are struggling to make ends meet. You can get help paying rent or with tenants who are unable to pay.
If you’re a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs, help may be available. If you’re a landlord with tenants in this situation, this is for you. State and local programs are taking applications from renters and landlords to distribute money from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program in Missouri communities. There is rental assistance for Missouri families.
If you’re a landlord, you may think of rental assistance as help for renters. But right now, most federal emergency rental assistance programs accept applications from landlords. Where renters can apply, they often need your help to complete the process and make payments to you.
Apply for Rental Assistance for Missouri Families
If you or someone you know needs help getting caught up on rent and utilities, be sure to apply or help your friend apply using the links below.
Kansas City
Kansas City Emergency Rental Assistance Program – https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/neighborhoods-housing-services/renthelp
St. Louis
City of St. Louis Emergency Rental Assistance Program – https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/human-services/emergency-assistance/index.cfm
Clay County
Clay County Emergency Rental Assistance – https://www.claycountymo.gov/transparency/erap
Greene County
Greene County Emergency Rental Assistance – https://www.greenecountymo.gov/era/
Jackson County
Jackson County Emergency Rental Assistance Program – https://www.jacksoncountyerap.org/
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) – https://www.jfcac.org/erap.html
Saint Louis County
County residents can apply for help with rent through the St. Louis County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) – https://stlouisco.onlinepha.com
State of Missouri
If your county or city isn’t listed. You can reach out to the Missouri State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) Program to get help paying your rent due to a loss of income resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic. – https://www.mohousingresources.com/safhr
Lookup Your State and Local Resources
Not from Missouri? Not a problem. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a fantastic guide to help you connect to resources in your state or region and get help paying rent. – https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/renter-protections/find-help-with-rent-and-utilities/
Questions and answers about federal rental assistance
There is Federal money set aside to help Missouri families with rental and utility assistance. For in-depth questions and answers, click on the links below to get to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- How do I apply for emergency rental assistance?
- What does emergency rental assistance cover?
- Am I eligible for emergency rental assistance?
- How can I show that I am eligible?
- How are rental assistance payments made?
- Special living situations
Help for Landlords
The COVID-19 Pandemic has caused money struggles for both renters and landlords. You’re an essential part of the rental economy. If your rental income has fallen, you can take advantage of options to keep you in control of your property and your financial situation.
Rental assistance can help you recover the rent that your tenants owe and get your finances back on track. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
- You may need to apply for your tenants.
As a landlord, you may think that rental assistance is for tenants. Right now, 3 in 4 programs funded by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program take applications from landlords. Where tenants can apply, they usually need information from you to complete the process. Why? Rent payments are usually delivered straight to the housing provider. You can get help paying rent for your tenants who are behind. - Eligibility is based on your tenant’s needs.
Eligibility for federal rental assistance depends on your tenant’s household income, financial hardships they’re facing, and their housing situation. - Is rental assistance worth the trouble? You do the math.
Consider all your options. Money from federal rental assistance could cover up to 18 months of rent. This includes unpaid rent from the COVID-19 Pandemic and future rent in some instances – when the money is available. Evicting tenants can be time-consuming and expensive. When it’s over, you may never recover unpaid rent.
Tell Your Friends and Family About Rental Assistance
Like other folks, you probably rely on friends and family, work colleagues, and other trusted professionals to stay on top of rapid developments during the Pandemic. If you’ve found this information helpful, please share this website with your networks as well as your tenants. Get help paying rent.
