I’m a Landlord
ATTENTION! The Memphis & Shelby County Emergency Rental Assistance Program is no longer accepting applications.
Landlords have been hit hard by COVID-19. This new program aims to help households that have experienced a loss of income due to Covid-19 pay their rent, and helps landlords receive payments they’ve long awaited. This program makes payments directly to landlords on behalf of their tenants. Below you will find more information on the program, how you can participate, and how to get this information to your tenants. For any question you might have that is not covered here, please visit www.home901.org/covid-resources/ or email help@home901.org.
About the program
The Covid-19 Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance Program provides emergency rent and utility relief to eligible Shelby County renters. The ERA can pay up to 12 months of owed rent and utilities. To be eligible, tenants must be renting in Shelby County, meet the income requirements, have a loss of income due to Covid-19, and have an unstable housing situation. An unstable housing situation is mainly defined as being behind on rent payments or already having received an eviction notice.
The application portal has closed. No more applications will be accepted. Payments for completed applications are still being processed. Payments are sent directly to landlords and/or MLGW.
Landlord Process
No Pending Eviction Renters
- Rental Assistance application is submitted by tenant
- Screening is completed to verify eligibility
- Applicants are notified by email once deemed eligible, and no further action is required
- Landlord is notified by email that a tenant is eligible, and a w9, ledger and signed agreement are required (electronic signatures)
- Upon receipt of signed agreement from landlord, payment request is submitted
- Payment mailed within 10 business days (or pickup if preferred)
Pending Eviction Renters
- Rental Assistance application is submitted by tenant.
- Screening is completed to verify eligibility
- Applicants are notified by email once deemed eligible, and no further action is required
- Program Attorney contacts Landlord or Landlord’s Counsel to make an offer to settle
- If Landlord does not agree, Tenant is notified that the program cannot assist
- Upon receipt of signed agreement from landlord, payment request is submitted
- Payment mailed within 10 business days (or pickup if preferred)
Communication
to your tenants
Help us spread the word amongst your tenants about this program. Here are sample texts and informational flyers and posters to help you let your tenants know about this program.
Email or text sample:
Dear tenant,
There is a new program, the Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance Program, that can pay up to 12 months of owed rent and utilities to those affected by Covid-19.
Income Level: Your combined household income must be lower than 80% of the median income in Shelby County
If you think you are eligible, you can apply online at www.home901.org/covid-resources/ or text HOME901 to 21000. If you need assistance completing the application, there are help desks open around the county. Call 211 to get the location and times. You must have an appointment and priority will be given to seniors and those without technology.
Print Flyers
Please print and share our flyers with your tenants. If you would like printed flyers mailed to you, click here.
Frequently asked Questions
If a landlord participates, how much back due rent will they get?
The landlord will receive 100% of the owed rent.
What are the landlord’s obligations if they accept payments under the program?
By submitting a Landlord application in the Neighborly portal, landlords are agreeing that they will not evict tenants for the months paid for by the program.
After registration, how can landlords get their tenants to apply?
Landlords can get tenants to apply by letting them know about the program, emphasizing that they can avoid impending eviction and get their past rent completely paid for. There are sample texts and flyers in the section above for landlord to tenant communication.
Where should tenants go for more information or to apply?
Tenants can learn more about the Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance Program by going to www.home901.org/covid-resources/ or texting HOME901 to 21000. Applications are completely online and can be filled out on smart phone. If a tenant needs assistance in applying, they can visit one of the help desks available around the county. To find a help desk, call 211 for locations, time, and to set up an appointment.