If you’re struggling to pay rent or facing eviction, emergency rental assistance can be the difference between staying housed and losing your home. The federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program—funded by Congress and administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury—channeled more than $46–47 billion to states, tribes, territories, and local governments to help renters during and after the pandemic. Millions of payments have gone out to prevent eviction and stabilize households. U.S. Department of the Treasury
While many local ERA portals launched in 2021–2022, funds have continued to be reallocated and spent, and some communities still support renters in 2025 using remaining ERA2 dollars or other federal/state sources. Treasury guidance notes that ERA2’s period of performance runs through September 30, 2025, which is why some jurisdictions still accept or process help requests this year. Availability is local and time-limited, so act quickly. U.S. Department of the Treasury
Beyond ERA, renters can also seek ongoing housing assistance (like Housing Choice Vouchers / Section 8) through HUD-funded programs run by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs), as well as state and county rental assistance funds. Waitlists may be open or closed depending on your area, but these programs remain the backbone of long-term low-income rental assistance. HUD.gov
What Emergency Rental Assistance Covers
Emergency rent relief typically helps with:
- Past-due rent and current/future rent (often up to several months).
- Past-due utilities (electric, water, gas, internet needed for work/school).
- Certain fees and charges related to housing stability (late fees, relocation).
(Exact coverage depends on your local program’s rules and funding.) U.S. Department of the Treasury
Programs aim to prevent eviction and keep renters stably housed. Some jurisdictions pair ERA with legal aid or mediation to stop or settle eviction cases—ask your local program or call 211 to connect with help. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Who Qualifies for Emergency Rental Assistance?
Eligibility varies by location, but programs modeled on federal ERA generally look for:
- Renter household (you must be a tenant, not a homeowner).
- Income within program limits, often ≤80% of Area Median Income (AMI), with priority for very low-income households or those unemployed long-term.
- Financial hardship (reduced income, increased costs) and risk of housing instability or eviction (notice to pay/quit, past-due balance, or similar).
- Residency and lease documentation (ID, lease or proof of rent, landlord details, utility bills, etc.). U.S. Department of the Treasury
Because funds are administered locally, each state/county/city can set documentation and prioritization rules—some allow self-attestation for certain criteria to speed help. If one portal is closed, another in your metro area may still be active (city vs. county vs. state). U.S. Department of the Treasury
Important: If your local ERA is fully spent, don’t stop there—check state rental programs, PHAs for Section 8 vouchers, and HUD/USAGov directories of affordable housing and rental assistance.
How Much Emergency Rental Assistance Can I Get?
Amounts vary widely, but typical patterns include:
- Multiple months of rent (e.g., up to 12 months, sometimes extendable) plus approved utility arrears.
- Future rent for a limited window to restore stability.
- Payments often go directly to the landlord or utility company; some programs can pay the tenant if the landlord declines to participate. U.S. Department of the Treasury
Because local funding status changes as dollars are spent or reallocated, the fastest way to gauge “how much” is to apply (or at least complete a pre-screen) and ask your local program how they’re currently handling rent caps (e.g., BRR/“reasonable rent”), utility maximums, and months covered.
How to Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance (Step-by-Step)
Use this quick, repeatable process—it works whether you’re applying for ERA, a state emergency rental assistance fund, or county rent relief.
- Find your local program.
- Check your state/county/city housing website or PHAs.
- Visit the CFPB’s Help for Renters hub for up-to-date guidance and resource links, and call 211 for local referrals if you’re unsure where to start. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau+1
- Confirm you’re in the right lane.
- If emergency funds are closed or paused, ask about other rental assistance, eviction prevention, or short-term relief in your county (some communities manage multiple programs). Local housing pages (and many PHAs) maintain current notices and waitlist status. HUD.gov+1
- Gather documents.
- Photo ID and proof of residency/lease (lease, rent ledger, letter from landlord).
- Income proof (pay stubs, benefits letter, tax return/AGI, unemployment statement).
- Proof of hardship (job loss, medical bills, childcare costs) and risk of housing instability (notice to pay/quit, past-due notice, utility shutoff).
- Landlord/utility info (name, W-9, account numbers).
Requirements reflect Treasury’s guidance but are tailored locally. U.S. Department of the Treasury
- Complete the application online (or by phone/in person).
- Be precise with household size, income, months owed, and utility arrears.
- Many programs let your landlord upload documents; coordinate so nothing is missing.
- Respond quickly to follow-ups.
- Applications often move fastest when tenants reply within 48–72 hours to any request.
- Keep your email/voicemail clear and check spam.
- Ask about add-ons.
- Some programs can pay future rent, security deposits, or application fees for a new unit if moving is part of a stability plan. Terms vary by jurisdiction and funding stream. U.S. Department of the Treasury
- If denied, appeal or reapply.
- Many programs allow appeals or re-applications after circumstances change (job loss, additional arrears).
Timelines and 2025 Availability
- Treasury’s ERA2 funds can be spent through September 30, 2025, and recipients are working through closeout requirements—so some areas still have active or targeted ERA activities, while others have fully exhausted funds. U.S. Department of the Treasury
- If your ERA portal is closed, other rental assistance—like PHAs (Housing Choice Vouchers/Section 8), HOME-TBRA, state disaster funds, or local general-fund programs—may still help. Availability depends on your city or county. HUD.gov
What If I Need Ongoing Help (Not Just a One-Time Payment)?
If you’re consistently rent-burdened, look into:
- Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for long-term rent subsidies. Check your PHA for waitlist openings; some large jurisdictions post 2025 payment standards and utility allowances so you can estimate affordability.
- HUD state pages and USAGov for affordable housing directories, links to local PHAs, and other low-income rental programs.
- Consumer protection and tenant resources. The CFPB explains how to avoid rental scams, navigate tenant screening, and find help if you’re worried about eviction or struggling to pay utilities.
How to Improve Your Chances of Approval
High-impact tips that often make the difference:
- Apply early—funds are finite, and many programs use first-ready, first-paid processes.
- Complete every field and upload every document the first time (missing items can stall cases for weeks).
- Coordinate with your landlord so they submit their portion (W-9, rent ledger) promptly.
- Share realistic timelines: if court is scheduled, include the hearing date and any notices.
- Ask for legal help—many areas pair ERA with free legal aid for eviction defense.
Common Questions About Emergency Rent Relief
Is ERA still available in 2025?
Maybe. Some states/counties still have ERA2 dollars or other funds; others are closed. Treasury confirms ERA2 ends September 30, 2025, and grantees are managing closeout. Check your local program and PHA pages for status. U.S. Department of the Treasury
How much can I receive?
Depends on your local program, months owed, rent level, and utility arrears. Many programs historically covered several months of back rent plus some future rent. The only way to know is to apply. U.S. Department of the Treasury
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen?
Eligibility rules are local, but renters are generally screened for income and housing need rather than immigration status. If you have questions, speak with the program or a legal aid provider; the CFPB lists resources and scams to avoid. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
What if ERA is closed where I live?
Ask about state emergency funds, city/county short-term rent help, Section 8 vouchers, and affordable housing listings via HUD/USAGov. Also call 211 to identify charities and faith-based organizations offering emergency rent assistance.
Quick Start: Where to Click First
- Find rental help & eviction resources: CFPB – Help for Renters (plus 211). Consumer Financial Protection Bureau+1
- Understand ERA background and deadlines: Treasury ERA program pages and FAQs (ERA2 ends Sept 30, 2025). U.S. Department of the Treasury
- Explore long-term assistance: HUD Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and your state HUD page for local PHAs and affordable housing options.
The Bottom Line
In 2025, emergency rental assistance is still helping renters in some areas—especially where communities have remaining ERA2 dollars or have launched new state and local rent relief. Even if one portal is closed, other housing assistance programs may be open. The smartest move is to apply quickly, upload complete documents, and work with your landlord to ensure fast processing. If you’re rent-burdened month after month, also explore Section 8/PHAs, affordable housing listings, and budgeting help to stabilize your long-term housing costs.
Pro tip: After you submit an application, set reminders to check your portal messages and email. Many denials happen simply because a program never receives the missing document it asked for.