COVID-19

I’m a Renter

To access the application for emergency rent and utility assistance,  please click here.

Who is eligible?

"

This program is only for renters residing in Shelby County, Tennessee (including Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland, Memphis, and Millington). You must demonstrate all of the following to be eligible:

  1. Someone in the household had a financial loss due to COVID-19.
  2. You are past due on your rent or utilities.
  3. Your household income is under 80% of the county’s median income.

Applicants do not need to prove citizenship and social security numbers are not required.

learn about income levels

Income Levels

Your combined household income must be lower than 80% of the median income in Shelby County

What is Emergency Rental Assistance?

"

We can provide past due rent and utility assistance to qualified renters in Shelby County. After eligible applications are selected, payments will be distributed and payments made directly to MLGW and the landlord, not to the renter. The U.S. Department of Treasury has granted a total of $28.2 million to the City of Memphis and Shelby County to administer this assistance program. Funding for the program expires September 30, 2022.

When can I appLy?

"

Applications are open! Apply for this round by February 15. Applications reopen each month – Applications are accepted the first part of each month. Then, applications are processed and funds distributed the second part of each month.

how can I appLy?

"

Click our APPLY NOW button and begin submitting your application online.

where can I get help?

"

  • Call 211
  • Email help@home901.org
  • Text HOME901 to 21000 or Text CASA901 to 21000 for Spanish.
  • Visit one of our in-person Help Centers.Team members will be available to walk you through the application or to provide assistance with completing the application, including scanning and uploading required documents. Call 211 to set up an appointment.
  • Check your application status here.
  • Learn what each status means here.

what IF I’M FACING EVICTION?

"

If you have a court eviction and are eligible for the ERA, an ERA attorney will reach out to your landlord/your landlord’s attorney. They will ask your landlord to drop the eviction case against you and accept a payment on your behalf. 

If you are facing court eviction, you may also complete this form to request free legal assistance. Please note: you do not need to qualify for the ERA to request or receive this free legal assistance. You must fill out this separate form to be considered. Tenants who apply to the ERA are not automatically considered.

step 1

Review and download
the Application Checklist

In Spanish

step 2

Apply for Rent and
Utilities Assistance

Types of Status

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my application status?

To check your application status, visit the Neighborly application portal. Sign in and you will see your case ID, and status.

How do I get paid?

The City/County will pay rent directly to landlords and utilities directly to MLGW. Applicants who are selected will be notified when payments are made.

What is the selection process?

Those with the greatest needs will get help first. A weighted equitable selection process will prioritize at-risk tenants and assure an equitable distribution of resources. Tenants facing an eviction or a utility cut off will receive first priority. A rolling, random selection process will promote equality and access to resources for as many people as possible. Those who qualify but are not selected for that round will be automatically considered for the next round. Applicants will not be able to apply more than one time.

How much funding could I receive?

Funding is determined based upon need. There is no cap and people can receive up to 12 months of past due rent and utility assistance.

What if I’m facing eviction?

Approved applicants facing eviction will be prioritized for rental assistance and will be paired with free legal assistance. Lawyers will attempt to settle rental arrearages with applicant’s landlord. If landlords agree to participate in the program, the program will make a payment directly to the landlord to settle the eviction case.

Can I receive funding for future rent?

Yes. Among tenants who receive assistance, some may be selected to receive up to three months of future rental assistance. The weighted selection process will equitably select a pool of recipients of future rent. Not everyone will receive future rent.

What does my landlord need to do to accept payments?

As a condition for receiving rental payments, landlords must agree in writing not to evict their tenant based upon the past due rent that is being paid by the program.  Landlords must also agree to inspections of the unit covered by the program.  Landlords who agree to receive future rent payments cannot file evictions during the period in which they receive future rent. Other details and the form agreement is available with the landlord application.

How will the City/County learn from the impact of the program?

The City of Memphis and Shelby County are conducting a careful evaluation of the program to follow the impact of providing rent and utility relief. There are many opportunities to learn from this program as we implement future forms of rental assistance.

Who are the current partners assisting the City and County with this program?

Shelby County Division of Community Services, City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development, Neighborhood Preservation, Inc., the University of Memphis Law School Legal Clinic, Memphis Area Legal Services, Metropolitan Interfaith Association (MIFA), United Housing, Inc., United Way of the Mid-South, Innovate Memphis, and United States Digital Response (USDR).

Is there currently an eviction moratorium?

Yes. You may qualify for the CDC’s Eviction Moratorium, protecting you from eviction for nonpayment of rent. Please check to see if you qualify and generate a letter stating your rights. It is very important that you deliver a signed copy to your landlord and to the court if you have an eviction case. If you do so, the CDC Eviction Moratorium states that you cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rent before June 30, 2021, even if a judge rules against you in court. NOTE: In the Western District of Tennessee, a federal judge has ruled that the CDC Eviction Moratorium is unenforceable, but that ruling is on appeal. It is recommended that you complete and submit a letter to your landlord so that you will have the most protection possible.

What if I am behind on my mortgage due to COVID-19?

  • If you have not already, contact your mortgage provider.
  • If you have a federally-backed mortgage, you are allowed 180 days of forbearance if you contact your mortgage provider and demonstrate proof of hardship because of COVID-19.
  • If your mortgage is not federally-backed, your specific provider will have their own terms. Contact your mortgage provider directly to arrange a repayment plan. They will likely have several options for you to consider.
  • If you did not miss any payments prior to March 27, 2020, please see our Additional Resources for further assistance. If you missed payments before March 27, 2020, contact your mortgage servicer listed on your mortgage statement.

What if I’m facing eviction but not due to COVID-19?

These programs are designed to provide assistance to individuals and families who are facing eviction as a direct result of the global pandemic. We wish you and your family nothing but the best, and we are sorry that we cannot assist you at this time. Please see the eviction resources under Additional Resources for other agencies that may be able to provide assistance.

I have an eviction court date – Where do I go and what do I need to say if I’m approved for the ERA?

If you have a court date, it is very important to go to court on the date listed on the Detainer Warrant or Notice from the court.

  • Location is General Sessions Court – Shelby County Civil Courthouse: 140 Adams Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, street/ground floor.
  • Get to court at least 45 minutes before the time your case is scheduled. There is an electronic “docket board” at the corner of the two hallways leading to the divisions of the General Sessions Court.  Find the division where your case is set by searching for your name (Defendant) or your landlord’s name (Plaintiff).  You can also find the division where your case is set for that day by visiting the court clerk’s office in Room 106.  Locate the room (Division) your case is in and arrive at least 15 minutes before the time your case is set.  The cases move very quickly so it is extremely important that you be present before your case is called.
  • When the judge calls your name, stand up and request a continuance (a two-week extension). Tell the judge that you have applied to, and heard back from, the Eviction Settlement Program, and need time to get a decision as to whether the program can assist you.  If anything changes, please email us updates!  If you are able to get your court date extended, please reply to this email with your case number, your new court date, and any documents that you have.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT SHOW UP FOR COURT?

If you aren’t present when your case is called, the judge will likely rule against you and a judgment will be entered in favor of the landlord.  If a judgment is entered against you, it will be final after 10 calendar days (including weekends).  This means that ten days after your court date, your landlord can legally remove you and your belongings from the home.  If you know a judgment has been entered against you, contact help@mscera.org as soon as possible with your case number.

I was approved for the ERA and my landlord was asked to give payment information, but then he gave me an eviction notice. He received my documents for pay. What are my options?

Let your landlord know that you have been approved to receive assistance and that your landlord will be contacted by an assigned attorney to negotiate the settlement payment.  If you believe you received an eviction notice after payment was made to your landlord, please provide us an update by replying to this email and include your case number, court date, and any relevant documents.

  • Ensure your landlord has applied to the program at http://home901.org/covid-resources/ and has uploaded the required documents, including your ledger showing the amount of money you owe and the landlord’s W-9.
  • Let your landlord know that if an agreement has been reached and the settlement documents are signed by your landlord, payment of your rental arrears will be submitted to your landlord within 10 business days (approximately two calendar weeks).
  • In the meantime, you may qualify for the CDC’s Eviction Declaration. Please go here to see if you qualify and generate a letter stating your rights.  It’s very important that you deliver a signed copy to your landlord and to the court if you have an eviction case.

I was approved for ERA, but my landlord keeps calling about payments/threatening me/saying I need to vacate. What do I tell them?

Instruct your landlord to email the Emergency Rental Assistance program at intake@mscera.org or call 211 for information regarding the payment to settle of your rental arrears.

  • Inform your landlord that you have been approved to receive assistance and that an assigned attorney will be contacting him to negotiate the terms of the settlement agreement.
  • Inform your landlord that if an agreement has been reached, payment of your rental arrears will be submitted to your landlord within 10 business days (approximately two calendar weeks) of signing the settlement documents.
  • You should understand that your landlord may not agree to accept funds from ERA and allow you to remain in your home. If you have received a Forcible Entry and Detainer Warrant you should begin to make alternative plans in the event a settlement cannot be reached with your landlord. Also, make sure that you go to court on every court date (see above – re: not showing up in court).
  • In the meantime, you may qualify for the CDC’s Eviction Declaration. Please go here to see if you qualify and generate a letter stating your rights.  It is very important that you deliver a signed copy to your landlord and to the court if you have an eviction case.

I was approved for the ERA, but my landlord is in the process of evicting me. What do I do?

Ensure that your landlord is aware that you have been approved by the ERA program to receive assistance and that your assigned attorney will be reaching out your landlord to negotiate the settlement of your rental arrears.

  • Inform your landlord that if an agreement has been reached, payment of your rental arrears will be submitted to your landlord within 10 business days (approximately two calendar weeks) of signing the settlement documents.
  • If you receive any notices from the court that provide a court date, please reply to this email and provide your case number, your court date, and any relevant documents that you have.
  • In the meantime, you may qualify for the CDC’s Eviction Declaration. Please go here to see if you qualify and generate a letter stating your rights. It is very important that you deliver a signed copy to your landlord and to the court if you have an eviction case.

Can you give me a document to show in court that I am approved for ERA assistance?

Print off the email you received after you applied to the program and provide it to the court at your next hearing.

Remember that when the judge calls your name, stand up and request a continuance (a two-week extension). Provide the court a copy of the email you received and tell the judge that have been approved by the program to receive assistance and that the program intends to contact your landlord to negotiate the payment of your rental arrears.

What happens if I serve a CDC Eviction Declaration letter on my landlord?

The CDC order halting evictions is currently unenforceable in the Western District of Tennessee, which includes Shelby County.  However, we are recommending that people still serve the CDC Eviction Declaration letter on their landlords in case something changes.  Please go here to see if you qualify and to generate a letter stating your rights.

Additional Housing Community Resources

Homeowner Resources