The CDC’s eviction moratorium was a nationwide order put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by keeping people in their homes. It was issued in 2020 and extended several times until the Supreme Court struck it down in August 2021. During that time, landlords were not allowed to evict tenants for non-payment of rent if those tenants met specific eligibility criteria. These requirements were especially important for eligible tenants in need of financial relief.
To qualify under the CDC’s moratorium, tenants needed to certify that they had suffered a substantial loss of income, were making efforts to pay what they could, and would likely become homeless or forced into crowded living conditions if evicted. This declaration had to be signed and delivered to the landlord.
The goal of the moratorium was to slow the spread of the virus, especially among at-risk populations who might face homelessness or be forced to move into shelters. It gave renters time to seek financial relief through programs like the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) or other forms of housing support. ERAP assistance also helped reduce housing instability for eligible tenants. Many communities provided housing assistance to prevent displacement.
Emergency rental assistance played a critical role during the pandemic. With millions of Americans falling behind on rent, programs like ERAP provided essential financial support to prevent evictions. These funds helped cover not only unpaid rent but also utilities, late fees, moving costs, and other housing-related expenses. Past-due bills were typically paid directly to the utility company.
Unlike the CDC moratorium, which simply paused evictions, ERAP actually helped renters pay what they owed. This meant landlords could still recover rent payments while tenants avoided displacement.
Because the moratorium was always meant to be temporary, rental assistance programs became a lifeline for people who needed a long-term solution. As the moratorium ended, continued access to rental assistance ensured that some level of support remained in place for vulnerable renters.
ERAP cover varies by region but generally includes:
Some programs extended coverage to expenses related to moving or setting up new housing. These might include required documentation fees, transportation, or initial rental costs.
ERAP funds are intended for tenant households who meet specific criteria, including:
Those living in public housing or relying on unemployment benefits could also qualify. Applicants were required to provide personal identification, proof of income, and payment received documentation to complete the application process.
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After the CDC’s federal moratorium expired, the eviction process resumed in many areas. Renters behind on payments became vulnerable to court summons, and many received a court date for eviction hearings.
If you are in this situation, respond quickly; ignoring legal documents can result in forced eviction.
Even without federal protections, local rental assistance programs and housing stability services continue to offer relief. Responding to legal notices, staying in communication with your landlord, and seeking help through an application portal can give you time and options.
The application process for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) was often online. Most renters used a dedicated erap application portal to submit documents and check their status.
A typical application included:
Some landlords also used their own portals or had to provide verification as part of the process. This sometimes delayed approvals, especially when landlords were unresponsive or unaware of the program’s guidelines.
Even though many ERAP programs have closed, some state and local governments are still operating active ERAP portals. These websites allow tenants to check their application status, upload missing documents, and review payment information.
In some cases, reopened ERAP portals are only processing appeals, distributing leftover funds, or managing documentation for prior approvals. If you previously applied and received help, your portal may still allow you to log in and track activity or update contact information. Emergency assistance options were sometimes still available.
To check if your ERAP portal is open, visit the official website of your state or local housing authority. Be careful; some scam websites imitate government services. Use only trusted links from .gov or known nonprofit housing organizations. If you're unsure, call the agency directly to verify the correct web address.
ERAP covered more than just monthly rent. It also helped pay utility bills, home energy costs, and even some relocation or rehousing expenses. In many states, renters could apply for up to 12 or 18 months of total assistance.
The program covered late fees, security deposits, court costs, and more. Utility arrears were especially important for renters facing shut-off notices from power or water companies.
Some renters also used ERAP to pay for hotel stays if they were temporarily displaced, or to cover moving expenses if they had to relocate. This broad coverage made ERAP a valuable safety net for people recovering from pandemic-related financial strain.
The federal government funded the Emergency Rental Assistance Program through major COVID-19 relief packages, including the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act.
Local governments were responsible for distributing the funds. Each city or county set its own guidelines, created application portals, and ran outreach programs to let renters know help was available.
This decentralized approach meant some areas processed applications quickly, while others struggled with technical issues and delays.
Eligibility requirements for ERAP varied slightly from one location to another but were generally based on the following factors:
Applicants needed to provide extensive documentation, and many were asked to resubmit files multiple times if something was missing or unclear.
ERAP applicants faced many challenges throughout the application process. Common issues included:
These barriers made it harder for renters most in need to access the emergency rental assistance program on time.
Many tenants received eviction court summons while waiting for ERAP decisions. In some states, showing proof of a pending application could delay or pause the eviction process.
It was important to bring documentation to court, such as confirmation emails from the erap application portal or screenshots of submitted materials.
Some programs offered legal aid to renters facing eviction proceedings. Local nonprofit housing counselors also helped tenants navigate the legal system and avoid immediate removal.
Because court summons often came with short timelines, tenants had to act fast to avoid default judgments and forced removal.
Besides regular rent payments, the ERAP cover included many emergency-related expenses that helped tenants stay housed.
These might include:
Some programs even included coverage for renters with non-traditional lease arrangements or informal rental agreements, especially in rural or underserved communities.
If you still have access to your ERAP portal, log in regularly to check your case status or upload missing files.
Keep your application number and login credentials in a safe place, and track any communication from your local housing agency.
When using the portal, follow these best practices:
The ERA program was administered by both state and local governments. Cities, counties, and tribal governments received funding from the U.S.Treasury to create emergency rental assistance programs. This financial assistance gave tenants time to recover.
Each jurisdiction managed its own ERAP application portal, set specific eligibility criteria, and determined the payment process for landlords and tenants.
Nonprofit housing agencies were often contracted to handle outreach, process applications, and provide housing counseling. These organizations were essential in helping people submit accurate, complete applications on time.
To access your ERAP application portal, start by visiting your state or county housing authority’s official website.
Most active portals will allow you to:
If your local portal is no longer open, check for alternative rental assistance programs or housing stability services listed by your city government or legal aid organizations.
Receiving a court summons related to eviction can be stressful, but acting quickly is critical.
Here are key steps to follow:
Some judges may delay eviction proceedings if you can show a pending ERAP application or provide proof of payment in progress.
If you are still struggling with rent or facing eviction, don’t wait to get help. There are many trusted resources available:
While the initial rounds of ERAP funding have ended in most areas, there’s growing interest in reestablishing or expanding emergency rental assistance during future crises. Lawmakers are examining lessons from the COVID-19 response and considering permanent programs to help renters stay housed during economic disruptions or natural disasters.
One example is California's AB 832 relief bill for renters.
Future programs could come from the federal government, or they might be led by states and cities with local funding. These programs could be automatically triggered by a declared emergency, offering quicker support for families facing job loss or health emergencies.
Renters should stay connected to housing organizations and nonprofits that provide updates and application help. Following local housing authority announcements and signing up for program alerts can ensure you're ready if new funds become available.
Even without a federal eviction ban, renters still have legal protections and tools they can use. These include local eviction defense laws, court mediation programs, and nonprofit legal aid services.
To protect yourself, keep a record of rent payments, text messages with your landlord, and all formal notices. If you’re served with a court summons, respond immediately and seek legal help.
Also, budget for rent and utilities, and look for emergency rental assistance programs in your area. Organizations like Credit.org offer free financial coaching that can help renters avoid future housing instability.
Knowing your rights, acting early, and staying connected to trusted assistance programs is key to avoiding eviction.
