Losing income suddenly is one of the most stressful things a renter can experience. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re staring at rent payments you can’t make and wondering how to keep your home. You’re not alone; many families face this challenge every year.
The first 48 hours matter. Take quick steps to steady yourself and get organized:
For guidance, see How to Prioritize Rent When You’re in Financial Crisis. Taking control early makes it easier to find lost income rent help before eviction notices arrive.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) was created during the pandemic to help renters cover rent and utility bills. While the national emergency rental assistance era has ended in many places, some states and counties still operate programs with reallocated funds.
Funds were distributed by the U.S. Treasury, which required states and counties to set up their own application systems.
Emergency rental assistance can help cover:
To learn more, check out Emergency Rental Assistance Programs You Can Apply For Now. For official program details, the U.S. Treasury ERA information hub provides current reports and funding updates.
If your city or county still has ERA funding, you’ll need to apply through an online portal. There you can submit documents, track your application status, and verify whether you qualify.
Most portals ask you to:
Applicants who don’t have internet at home can access the portal from a library or community center. You can find your local ERA portal or dial 211.org to locate programs in your area.
Eligibility varies by location, but most programs look at:
Documents to gather:
Even if you aren’t sure you’re eligible, submit an application; many renters qualify without realizing it. The housing office will help you determine eligibility.
ERA funding is broad, but it has limits. It can pay:
It cannot pay for:
If you receive assistance, it usually goes directly to the landlord or utility company, not to you. That’s why communication with landlords and property managers is so important.
The emergency rental assistance era began in 2020, when billions were released to help renters during the pandemic. Many local governments exhausted these funds, but some still reallocate leftover money. Others are creating new local housing programs to fill the gap.
Many renters were not aware of these opportunities until notices arrived from their local government. Even if your county’s main ERA program is closed, don’t give up. Call your local housing authority or urban development office, and ask about remaining resources. The U.S. Treasury ERA page tracks how much aid has been distributed.
If you know rent will be late, don’t stay silent. Property managers and landlords prefer honesty over missed payments without explanation.
Here’s what to do:
A respectful conversation can buy time while your application processes. See I Can’t Pay My Bills – Prioritizing Your Monthly Bills for guidance on which bills to pay first when funds are short.
Losing income impacts more than rent. Utility bills, car expenses, insurance, and groceries all compete for limited funds. Apply for financial assistance through local governments, churches, or nonprofits that help with:
Call 211.org for a directory of local services. Even small assistance can free up money to pay rent.
If your local ERA program is closed, other options remain:
Visit USA.gov emergency rent help for a directory, or USA.gov rent-help groups for targeted resources. Apply broadly; many renters qualify for multiple programs.
If your current rent is unsustainable, look for affordable housing programs that reduce your monthly cost. Affordable rental housing includes:
Search HUD Affordable Housing resources to find affordable rentals by city. Moving can be hard, but finding a lower rent house or apartment is sometimes the only path to stability. One advantage of affordable housing is predictable costs, even if market rents rise.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) helps renters pay only a portion of income toward rent, with the voucher covering the rest. It is run by local housing authorities, and most applicants face a waiting list.
To apply, contact your local housing authority. You’ll provide income, household members, and application forms. Residents are placed on a waiting list, and once selected, can use vouchers for apartments, rentals, or even some houses.
For official details, visit the corrected HUD page: Housing Choice Vouchers for Tenants.
Public housing is another long-term solution for low income renters. Run by local housing authorities, it provides reduced-rent units in specific developments.
For tribal governments and Hawaiian Home Lands, separate programs exist. Tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) manage rental housing directly for tribal members. Units may have different eligibility rules but still provide affordable shelter.
Check the HUD Public Housing page for details and application forms.
Even after you’ve applied for rental assistance, you still need to manage your relationship with your landlord. Many landlords are willing to cooperate if you keep them updated.
Explain that you’ve submitted your application and are waiting on approval. Offer to share your application status or documentation if they ask. Making even partial payments shows good faith. Verify every agreement in writing so you have proof later.
One of the most frustrating parts of applying for emergency rental assistance is waiting. Checking your application status regularly is important.
Applicants who stay on top of their file often receive assistance faster than those who wait passively.
When you receive assistance, it may feel like a huge weight is lifted. Use that relief to rebuild stability.
First, pay your rent and utilities as directed. Then, create a budget so you can save for the future. Even small amounts set aside make a difference. Credit.org offers tools to guide you:
Most programs require documents to prove your household was established at the rental address before applying. Keeping those records updated will also help in future applications.
Not every application is approved. If you’re denied, don’t give up. Review the notice carefully and follow appeal instructions. Sometimes a missing document or small error is the only issue.
Ask your local housing authority whether you can resubmit. If not, apply to other programs. Many city or county governments run separate housing initiatives even if the main ERA funds are exhausted. Check with your local housing department for appeal instructions or alternative programs.
Unfortunately, scams target renters in crisis. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed approvals or demanding fees to “speed up” your application.
Check that every program is listed on government websites. Verify that you are using official portals. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately through the FTC fraud reporting system.
If you’ve received an eviction notice, seek legal help right away. Many nonprofit legal aid groups can provide free or low-cost support.
Legal aid attorneys can:
Renters who believe they’ve been discriminated against can also reach out to HUD’s Fair Housing Administration (FHA) for support. Find local legal support through the Legal Services Corporation or state court self-help centers.
Sometimes the best long-term solution is moving to a home you can afford. Compare costs between city living and the suburbs.
In the city, rent may be higher but transportation costs are lower. In the suburbs, rent may be cheaper but commuting adds expenses. Calculate total costs including utilities, car expenses, and time.
Choosing the right location helps you balance affordability and convenience.
If your rental assistance application is pending, ask your property manager about a payment plan. Even small payments show responsibility.
Agree on a written plan that spells out amounts, dates, and how late fees will be handled. This protects both you and your landlord and can prevent eviction while you wait for funds.
When income changes, your budget must change too. Adjust spending to match your new situation.
Credit.org’s Power of Paycheck Planning course and Consumer Credit Counseling can help you reset your finances and avoid relying on credit cards.
Some rental assistance programs also cover utilities. This may include gas, electricity, water, trash collection, or internet. Always ask whether these bills are included.
If utilities are covered, submit recent bills from utility providers with your application. Having those payments made directly can free up income for groceries and transportation.
Certain programs give priority to low income families, seniors, or households with dependents. Assistance may include rent subsidies, utility relief, or community support services.
See USA.gov rent-help groups to find resources in your community tailored to seniors, veterans, or families with dependents. Don’t assume you won’t qualify; apply and see what’s available.
If eviction is imminent or you’re already without housing, act immediately. Call 2-1-1 or use the HUD Resource Locator to find emergency shelters and services in your area.
Homelessness is frightening, but emergency programs exist to provide food, temporary shelter, and case management. Emergency shelters often display the U.S. flag at their entrances because they operate with federal or state funding. Getting help quickly increases your chances of finding stable housing again.
Having your paperwork in order makes the application process smoother. Keep copies of:
Include your current address on every document so your file can be matched quickly. Keep everything in one folder, digital or paper, so you can submit quickly when asked.
If you need to move, search smarter. Use HUD’s rental assistance tool or your local housing authority’s site.
Start early; waiting lists can be long. Search beyond the city center, but factor in commuting costs. Ask landlords if they accept vouchers or have affordable housing programs.
If you’re self-employed, proving income can be tricky. Be ready to submit:
Programs understand that freelancers and gig workers have irregular income. Clear records will strengthen your application.
Local governments and nonprofits often work together to support renters. You may qualify for multiple programs at once; for example, rental assistance plus food aid or childcare help.
Ask about community resources when applying. Stacking programs can help you stabilize faster.
Once you’re back on track, make housing stability a top priority. Pay rent on time, keep records, and start rebuilding savings. Even small deposits into a savings account can protect you from the next crisis.
Budgeting courses, counseling, and free downloads from Credit.org can help you stay organized.
How long does it take? Processing varies by location, but checking your application status often helps.
How is rent paid? Most programs pay landlords or utility providers directly.
Can I receive assistance more than once? Some programs allow multiple months of coverage; check your local guidance.
If you face discrimination or need mediation, resources are available. Contact your local fair housing office through HUD. For legal help, use the Legal Services Corporation locator.
Losing income is devastating, but no situation is hopeless. You have options to stabilize housing, protect your family, and plan for the future.
Start with small steps: apply for programs, talk to your landlord, and adjust your budget. Then build long-term security with education and counseling.
Resources from Credit.org can help:
With these tools, you can keep your home, reduce stress, and rebuild confidence step by step.
