Rental assistance program paused, but will be centralized app process

Starting March 15, Utah renters can apply for pandemic rental assistance through a single, centralized online application. Until then, the program has stopped taking new applications in order to ensure that new federal guidelines are met.

“Emergency Rental Assistance is an important program that can help Utah renters impacted by the pandemic to stay in their homes,” said Department of Workforce Services Deputy Director Nate McDonald. “While we recognize that a pause in accepting applications may cause concern, it will help to ensure the updated program runs smoothly and will allow local community action program agencies to work through their existing backlog of applications.”

The state has partnered with local community action program agencies around the state, as well as counties and cities, to develop and implement the program and transition to the updated guidelines. Previously, renters applied for rental assistance through local community action program agencies, but starting March 15, renters from anywhere in the state can apply for assistance online at rentrelief.utah.gov.

Renters are eligible if they have combined household income at or below 80 percent of area median income, have qualified for unemployment, experienced a reduction in income or incurred significant costs due to the pandemic and are experiencing housing instability. Applicants may be prioritized and expedited if they have been unemployed for at least 90 days or are at or below 50 percent area median income.

Eligible expenses under the program include current rent plus three months of prospective rent, past-due rent, eligible fees, security deposit, utilities and Internet service.