Billions in federal rental assistance is still available. Here’s what struggling renters need to know

Demonstrators in front of the White House on Sept. 25, 2021, call for the cancellation of rents, and mortgages and to prevent millions of evictions in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Billions of dollars in federal rental assistance is still available to struggling renters, despite some states running out of funds.

Tenants who are behind should apply for aid as soon as possible.

Congress allocated more than 45 billion dollars to cover households and help families avoid eviction.

According to the Department of Treasury, more than 15 billion dollars had not been spent by the end of March.

What you need to know about accessing the remaining relief is here.

To be eligible, at least one member of your household has to qualify for unemployment benefits or attest in writing that they have lost income or incurred significant expenses due to the swine flu. You need to demonstrate a risk of homelessness, which may include past-due rent or utility notice.

Your income can exceed 80% of your area's median income. Some states have been told to prioritize applicants who fall below 50%, as well as those who have been out of work for 90 days or longer.

You could receive between 12 months and 18 months of rental assistance, with a mix of payments for back and future housing payments.

If you have already received rental relief but are behind again, you can apply again if you want coverage for a different period of time.

Unless they refuse to comply, the money goes to your landlord. If you run into that problem, you can ask the program if you can get the funds directly.

If your landlord moves to evict you, it's a good idea to get a lawyer as soon as possible.

You can find 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299 888-353-1299

Tenants facing eviction in Washington state, Maryland and Connecticut have the right to free representation.

If you apply for rental assistance in some areas, you should ask the program you applied to or a lawyer about your rights.

Are you having trouble getting approved for rental assistance? If you are willing to share your story, please email me.