During the COVID-19 pandemic, 

many landlords are getting reduced 

rental income and finding it difficult 

to make ends meet. Rental assistance 

programs can help you and your 

tenants cover missed payments 

and underpayments caused by the 

COVID-19 pandemic.

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. The rental aid is 

distributed through your state and local community 

organizations.

Consider the cost of an eviction

Eviction can be costly and difficult for both 

renters and landlords. It may be in your 

best interest to work with your tenants to 

make a plan for how they will pay back their 

remaining rent. Have a conversation with 

your tenant to find the right alternative to 

eviction.

How to take advantage of 

programs for rental assistance

Programs that provide help with rent work in 

different ways, depending on how each state, local, 

or tribal government establishes its program. Some 

programs require you to apply for help that covers 

your tenants’ unpaid rent. Some programs allow 

the tenant to apply for help with their own rent 

payments, although the tenant might need your 

help completing the application.

Emergency rental assistance can cover back 

rent, including utilities, that came due during the 

COVID-19 pandemic, for eligible tenants, depending 

on local rules and availability. In addition, tenants 

may get help with future rent payments, up to three 

months at a time.

Learn more at 

consumerfinance.gov/landlords 1 of 2

Consumer Financial 

Protection Bureau

FOR LANDLORDS

Squeezed between missed rental income 

and bills you owe? Help is available 
2 of 2

Local programs are eager to work with landlords in 

their communities. Each rental assistance program 

has conditions, and landlords and tenants should 

contact the program in their area to find out how 

to get started. Locate the programs in your area at 

cfpb.gov/govassist.

Pause your mortgage payments 

with forbearance

If the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to 

pay your mortgage, contact your mortgage servicer 

immediately. You may be eligible for forbearance, 

which temporarily pauses or reduces your monthly 

mortgage payments. Forbearance is not automatic. 

To request forbearance, you’ll need to reach out 

to your servicer. Learn more about forbearance at 

cfpb.gov/govpause.

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/landlords

Consumer Financial 

Protection Bureau