Help available to Renters in Georgia

If you’re a Georgia renter who has fallen behind on rent payments as of March 13, 2020, you may qualify for assistance. The Georgia Rental Assistance Program can provide up to 18 months of rental and utility assistance, paid directly to participating landlords and service providers on behalf of tenants. See if you qualify.  The State of Georgia received $989 million from the U.S. Treasury’s Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program to provide relief to individuals, families, and landlords whose finances have been negatively impacted since March 13, 2020, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be used for rental and utility payments, including other associated expenses. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs administers this program which opened in March 2021. The money is distributed directly to landlords and service providers, where applicable, and eligible applicants will receive up to 18 months of payment relief. Individuals must qualify for unemployment or have experienced a financial hardship since March 13, 2020; demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income.  Learn more at https://georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov/.