During the coronavirus pandemic, 

millions of renters have struggled to 

make their monthly payments. If you’re 

having trouble paying your rent, utilities, 

or other housing-related costs, rental 

assistance may be available to you. 

The U.S. Treasury Department has made billions of 

dollars available to state, local, and tribal government 

agencies to provide emergency rental assistance to 

qualifying households.

Find financial assistance for rent 

The Emergency Rental Assistance program was 

created to help renters cover their housing-related 

costs and stay in stable housing during the pandemic. 

The rental aid is distributed through your state and 

local governments.

Programs that provide help with rent work in different 

ways, depending on how each state, local, or tribal 

government establishes its program. You may be 

able to apply for rental assistance yourself, or you 

may need to work with your landlord to submit 

the application. 

Find where to apply

To find the state or local agency where you can 

apply for rental assistance, visit cfpb.gov/govrent. 

If you can’t find a program in your area, call 2-1-1 

or your local housing authority for assistance.

To qualify, you must have experienced financial 

hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, meet local 

income requirements, and be behind on your rent. 

Your eligibility depends on your local program, so it 

is a good idea to check out your options if you are 

concerned about your rental debts.

Emergency rental assistance can help you cover back 

rent that came due during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Depending on local rules and availability, you may 

get help with future rent payments, up to three 

months at a time. Local programs may also cover 

utilities, home energy, and other costs, including 

electricity, gas, fuel, oil, water, sewer, and trash 

removal. Rental assistance may also cover reasonable 

late fees, Internet service to your home, and moving 

expenses and other rental-related fees—such as 

security deposits, application fees, or screening fees.

Learn more at 

consumerfinance.gov/renters 1 of 2

Consumer Financial

Protection Bureau

FOR RENTERS

Worried about missed rent payments 

or eviction? Help is available
2 of 2

Ask for additional help

Take advantage of free housing help

If you’d like help from a local expert, contact the 

Department of Housing and Urban Development 

(HUD)’s housing counseling program. Call 800-569-

4287 or visit consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housingcounselor.

Consult a lawyer

Your local bar association or legal aid office may be 

able to connect you with free or low-cost legal help.

About us

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 

(CFPB) is a 21st century agency that helps 

consumer finance markets work by making 

rules more effective, by consistently 

and fairly enforcing those rules, and by 

empowering consumers to take more 

control over their economic lives. 

Learn more at consumerfinance.gov. 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s 

mission is to maintain a strong economy 

and create economic and job opportunities 

by promoting the conditions that enable 

economic growth and stability at home 

and abroad, strengthen national security 

by combating threats and protecting 

the integrity of the financial system, and 

manage the U.S. Government’s finances 

and resources effectively.

6/2021

Learn more at 

consumerfinance.gov/renters

Consumer Financial

Protection Bureau