View rental assistance programs in your state HERE

HUD and its PHA and private landlord partners have been taking steps to mitigate the impact of COVID and the states’ phased reopening of their economies. All HUD-assisted renters are eligible to report any decreases in wages, job hours, and family income so that income-based rent payments can be temporarily decreased and housing subsidies can be temporarily increased. Where families may still be liable for non-payment of rent post-moratorium, HUD strongly encourages Owners and PHAs to enter into repayment agreements so that families may continue to be housed during this difficult time.

The best option for renters during the eviction moratorium is to pay their rent, if they are able. Those experiencing financial hardship should reach out to their landlord to discuss their situation and potential solutions. If your building or property is located on one of HUD’s database maps, you have free access to our Disaster Response Network. For renters experiencing financial challenges from COVID-19, a natural disaster, or other difficulties, the Disaster Response Network’s HUD-approved housing counselors may be able to help with:

• A personalized recovery assessment and action plan.
• FEMA and insurance claims.
• Federal and state housing assistance. 
• Unemployment, nutritional assistance, and any other available benefits.
• Non-legal support in communicating with landlords.
• Ongoing check-ins to help ensure a successful recovery.

Next Steps:

Call 877-542-9723 to speak with a housing counselor at our Disaster Response Network.

Tips on Communicating with Your Landlord

If you’re struggling to pay rent or can no longer pay, contact your landlord right away to discuss your options. During stressful financial times, your landlord is likely experiencing challenges as well. Try to communicate with them clearly and calmly. Here are some tips to help guide you through a conversation with your landlord:

• Be candid about your situation. If you’re impacted by COVID-19 or other difficulties, share how your income has been affected.
• Consider mentioning any resources and assistance options you’ve found.
• Explain how your family would be impacted by a loss of housing.
• Ask about payment arrangements.
• Keep any email and text conversations and make notes of when you spoke in person.

Read our publication, Addressing Tenant Concerns During the COVID-19 National Emergency

Centers for Disease Control Order Banning Evictions

On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued an order banning evictions for certain renters through December 31, 2020. The CDC is issuing the eviction moratorium to protect public health and prevent further spread of COVID-19. The order is separate and independent from the expired CARES Act eviction moratorium.

To be eligible for eviction protections under the order, residents must sign a declaration form (see link below) and meet the requirements outlined in the order, which are also described in the declaration form.

The order is available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-19654

The declaration form is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-eviction-declaration.html

View declaration form in other languages

COVID-19 Help — CARES Act Eviction Protection

The CARES Act, signed into federal law on March 27, 2020, provided 120 days of eviction relief for tenants in multifamily rental housing that is federally insured or backed. You should not have been served with an eviction notice solely for nonpayment of rent before July 25, 2020, and any notice must have provided you with at least 30 days to leave the property (August 24, 2020).

During the 120-day eviction moratorium, your landlord was prohibited from charging you late fees, penalties, or other charges for paying your rent late. It’s important to note that the eviction moratorium did not relieve you of your obligation to pay your rent. It merely forbid your landlord from evicting you during that period for late payment.

Know Your Rights:

For information on Coronavirus-related tenant protections by state (and county and major cities, if applicable) visit Nolo.com. You can also search websites of local news and faith-based organizations for assistance programs in your area.

Additional Resources Available for You:

• FAQs: HHS/CDC Temporary Halt In Residential Evictions to Prevent The Further Spread of COVID-19
• 2020 Economic Impact Payments Toolkit
• Riverside County and San Diego Initiate COVID-19 Renter Assistance
• HUD Eviction Prevention and Stability Toolkit (July 8, 2020)
• Fannie Mae
• Freddie Mac
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Small Business Administration (SBA)

For Multifamily properties with FHA-insured mortgages, or assisted through Section 202, Section 811, and certain other assistance programs administered by HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing, where the mortgage is in forbearance, owners cannot evict tenants solely for non-payment of rent for as long as the mortgage is in forbearance. Further, owners must provide tenants with 30 days notice of eviction when their forbearance period ends.

To determine if you reside in a property with a Multifamily FHA-insured mortgage or a property that is participating in one of HUD’s assisted housing programs administered by its Office of Multifamily Housing, use our online property search tool.

Watch Out for Scams

Scam artists offer fraudulent assistance to those affected by disasters or other economic distress. Always confirm the legitimacy of offers and never feel pressured to “take immediate action.”

Learn more about COVID-19 scams and other signs of fraud.