Oregon's $204 Million Tenant Rental Assistance Fund is Open

A rental assistance fund for tenants, operated independently of the landlord compensation fund, has opened for applications. 

The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program has $204 million to provide renters assistance for past due rent. Renters with incomes below 80% of area median income and meeting additional program conditions can apply here. Applicants must be at risk of homelessness or housing instability and the funds can be used for past due rent and utilities.

Completely separate from the Landlord Compensation Fund, starting today Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 another option for Rental Assistance from the State of Oregon is now available. The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) is funded with $204 million and is designed for tenants to apply for the funds directly. Renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income, meeting additional program conditions (see below) can apply. Check out this link for tenants to apply as of May 19th and receive more information:

https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/housing-assistance/Pages/emergency-rental-assistance.aspx

Oregon Housing and Community Services will distribute $204 million to qualified renters who have experienced financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability. The allotted $204 million can be used for past due rent and utilities. 

How does it work?

• OERAP will directly pay landlords for back rent from March 13, 2020 until present, and three months of future rent for qualifying households. 
• Applications for OERAP funds must be initiated by renters. Landlords cannot apply directly. However, Landlords are encouraged to share information with renters about OERAP.  
• After a renter applies for OERAP funds, their landlord will be contacted by email to review and confirm certain information in the application. Landlords will be asked to provide the following documents: 
• W-9
• Direct deposit or ACH payment information and a copy of a canceled check

Who is eligible?

The OERAP program can serve renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income who meet the following conditions:

• Individual(s) in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak; and
• Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability evidenced by a past due utility or rent notice.

Management companies with multiple properties should develop and distribute guidance on what address and contact information property managers should share with renters to use in the OERAP application process. More information about the program is available at www.oregonrentalassistance.org.