Rental Assistance by State: Find Programs Where You Live

Win a Voucher! Emergency rental assistance programs are administered at the state and county level — there is no single national application. Each state runs its own ERA program with its own income limits, application portal, funding availability, and processing timelines. This page links to the primary rental assistance program in each state and explains … Read more

One-Time Rental Assistance Grants: How to Find and Apply

Win a Voucher! One-time rental assistance grants pay one to three months of back rent in a single disbursement — no repayment required. They differ from ongoing rental subsidies like Section 8, which pay every month indefinitely. This guide explains exactly where one-time grants come from, who qualifies, how much they pay, and how to … Read more

Rental Assistance With No Income: Programs That Help

Win a Voucher! Having no income does not disqualify you from rental assistance. Most emergency rental assistance programs specifically serve households with little or no income — including people who are unemployed, between jobs, or living on informal support from family. This guide explains which programs help households with zero income, what documentation you need … Read more

Eviction Prevention Programs: How to Stop an Eviction Before It Happens

Win a Voucher! Eviction prevention programs exist specifically to stop evictions before they reach court — through rent assistance, legal intervention, mediation, and landlord-tenant agreements. Acting before a court filing is almost always faster, cheaper, and more effective than trying to stop an eviction after it’s been filed. This guide covers every eviction prevention tool … Read more

What Happens If Your Landlord Refuses Emergency Rental Assistance?

Win a Voucher! Emergency rental assistance programs pay landlords directly — which means your landlord’s cooperation is required. If your landlord refuses to accept payment, your application stalls. This is one of the most frustrating situations in the ERA process, and it happens more often than programs admit. This guide explains exactly why landlords refuse, … Read more

How Long Does Rental Assistance Take? Processing Times by Program

Win a Voucher! Processing times for emergency rental assistance range from 24 hours to 6 weeks depending on which program you apply to, whether your landlord responds quickly, and how much documentation you already have ready. This guide breaks down realistic timelines by program type and tells you exactly how to speed up your application. … Read more

Rental Assistance for Single Mothers: Programs That Can Help

Win a Voucher! Single mothers face some of the highest eviction rates of any household type — and they have more programs available to them than most people realize. Beyond emergency rental assistance, single mothers can qualify for programs specifically designed for families with children, survivors of domestic violence, and households with no income. This … Read more

What Is the Maximum Rent Assistance You Can Get?

Win a Voucher! Most emergency rental assistance programs cap help at 12 to 18 months of rent and utilities combined — but the dollar limit varies by program, county, and how much you owe. This guide explains exactly how maximums are calculated, what factors change them, and how to get the most assistance available. Need … Read more

How to Get Help Paying Rent When You’re Behind

Win a Voucher! If your landlord has already given you a notice or you’re more than 30 days behind, you need help today — not next week. This guide covers who gives emergency rent money, exactly how to apply, and what to do if every program says no. Call 211 first. Dial 2-1-1 from any … Read more

How to Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Programs

Win a Voucher! If you are behind on rent or worried about eviction, Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs may be able to help. These emergency rental assistance programs provide short-term financial aid directly to landlords or utility providers on behalf of qualifying households — and in many cases, funds can be approved within a few … Read more