NLIHC tracks all emergency rental assistance programs, analyzes in-depth information on each program, and shares best practices to ensure funds are equitably and effectively distributed to those most in need. NLIHC has identified 388 rental assistance programs funded through the $25 billion appropriated for the Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA1) program under the December 2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Though most ERA1 programs are now open, administrators continue to make modifications to adhere to federal guidance and improve program implementation.
A total of 740 states, localities, Tribal governments, and territories received direct allocations for the ERA1 program. As of May 26, at least 388 programs have opened, including 49 state programs, 232 local programs, 103 Tribal government programs, three U.S. territory programs, and the District of Columbia’s program. These programs represent 87% of the $25 billion allocated and include 491 grantees, as some localities have combined allocations to form a single program.
In general, assistance provided by ERA programs covers higher payment amounts and more comprehensive expenses compared to CARES-funded programs. Approximately 72% of ERA programs help tenants with rental arrears and current or future payments. Of programs reporting the number of months covered, nearly 79% cover at least 12 months of rental assistance. Treasury ERA programs also allow greater flexibility in who can apply; nearly 42% of programs allow either the landlord or tenant to initiate the application.
Since ERA programs began opening in February 2021, implementation trends have shifted. As of late April, only 27% of ERA programs explicitly allowed self-attestation for select eligibility criteria as an alternative to more cumbersome documentation. By May 26, 41% of programs did so. Similarly, as of late April, only 15% of programs clearly allowed for direct-to-tenant assistance, a number that has since increased to 23%. These emergent trends may be due to advocacy efforts and recent federal guidance that strongly encourages programs to allow self-attestation and encourages ERA1 programs to provide direct-to-tenant assistance. Despite these improvements, many more programs must implement these critical measures to ensure they meet federal requirements and provide assistance to the most marginalized renters.
In weeks to come, NLIHC will report on the number of programs allowing funding for other housing expenses, including utilities, relocation costs, and hotel/motel stays, as well as programs funded by the $21.6 billion appropriated in the “American Rescue Plan Act” (ERA2). NLIHC’s searchable database and rental assistance resources are available here, with new programs added to the database each week. NLIHC regularly updates an ERA Dashboard and ERA Resource Hub to monitor program implementation and facilitate resource-sharing across programs.