I’m a Landlord
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.
This program will run until September 2022. Tenant applications are accepted in rounds. The application portal opens for the first half of the month, while the second half is used to review applications and send out payments. Payments are sent directly to landlords and/or MLGW.
The selection process is weighted to be equitable so that those with the greatest needs will be served first. This means tenants with eviction notices or cut off notices and those with incomes at 50% AMI will be served first. If a tenant applies and is selected, the landlord will receive payment within 14 business days after selection. If they meet all the eligibility requirements yet are not selected that month, their application remains in the portal for future selections.
How to Participate
Landlords can participate by filling out a landlord registration form here. Registering helps us streamline the application process, especially for properties where there are multiple renters applying. The registration process is simple and fast. The main items needed from landlords are a W-9 and their tenant ledger. However, for a landlord to receive payment, tenants must submit an application as well. Once a tenant’s application has been accepted, landlords must sign a legal agreement that they will not evict for the months paid for by the program. This agreement must be signed in order for a landlord to receive payment.
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 does registration mean?
Registration for landlords is a quick and easy online form. Landlords can register here. Landlord registration is not an application. A tenant must submit an application in order for their landlord to receive payment.
What are the benefits of registration?
Landlord registration streamlines the application and payment process. When a landlord registers, it gives us the necessary documentation needed and lets us know that they are willing to participate. This makes the total application process shorter, meaning a registered landlord will get paid faster. Registration also helps us identify which applications are part of larger settlements.
What are the landlord’s obligations if they accept payments under the program?
In order to receive payment, landlords must sign an agreement that they will not evict a tenant for the months that are paid for through 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.
What communication should landlords send to their tenants?
Landlords can let their tenants know about this program by sending out flyers and emails to their tenants; they can also talk with them directly about the program’s benefits. There are printed flyers and posted available to landlords. Please contact alex.schwarz@shelbycountytn.gov to request flyers and posters.
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.