Minnesota Housing announced that RentHelpMN is now open and accepting applications. RentHelpMN makes it possible for eligible renters to get caught up on overdue rent and utilities dating back to March 13, 2020. It also makes provisions for those at risk of falling behind on rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With this program, we’re able to use federal dollars coming into the state to help those who have fallen on hard times due to COVID-19. Housing managers and renters need to work together because this is only the start of being able to get back to a new-normal,” said Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake). “We need to be helping to promote this program to aid those struggling within our communities.”
Renters who meet all of the following criteria may qualify for this program:
- Household is renting.
The household must have an arrangement in which they are renting from a property owner. This must be your primary residence in Minnesota. A current rental or lease agreement signed by both the renter and landlord is the preferred documentation method. If a lease cannot be provided, other documentation may be acceptable such as a utility bill, attestation from the landlord or management agent, or cancelled checks or bank statements showing payments to the landlord. - Household has experienced a COVID-19 hardship.
One or more household members can demonstrate how the COVID-19 pandemic has directly or indirectly impacted their ability to pay rent or utilities. This may include qualifying for unemployment benefits, experiencing a reduction in household income, and/or incurring significant costs or experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic (directly or indirectly). - Household meets the income eligibility.
Household income may not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the area in which the household is located as determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the applicant’s home county. Documentation will be required during the application process. Scroll to the bottom of this page to see income limits by county. - Household is behind on rent.
In Phase 1 of the program, the household must be behind on rent to be eligible to apply. RentHelpMN wants to make sure that all renters get caught up on past due rent before opening the program to applicants who need assistance with future rent.
Please note that RentHelpMN is in Phase One, in which people with past due rent who meet eligibility requirements are invited to apply.
To apply for RentHelpMN, please visit renthelpmn.org or call 211. The 211 helpline has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions about RentHelpMN, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Visit renthelpmn.org to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements and to apply.