Renter & Owner Assistance

Options are available for those in need.

by Dustin Rinker  on March 10th, 2021

There is a new Emergency Rental Assistance package coming through that will soon be available for renters and landlords who have been financially impacted by Covid-19. Renters may be eligible for both Utility and Rent assistance. Landlords can apply for the assistance on behalf of the tenants but will still need signatures and documentation from their tenants. To streamline the process it is recommended that tenants file their 2020 taxes and have their 2020 tax return on hand to submit with their application for assistance.

Here are some eligibility parameters for tenants:

-          Household income is not to exceed 80% of area median income.

-          Household must have experienced financial hardship due to Covid-19.

-          Must be able to show they are at risk of homelessness or housing instability (Eviction notice, etc.)

To prepare to apply, tenants should gather the following documents:

-          Lease agreement

-          Demonstration of need (Eviction notice, late payment notice, etc.)

-          Income Documentation (2020 Tax return or all forms of income for household for past 2 months)

Landlords will need a W9 and to prepare to get a tenant’s signature and documentation if applying on their behalf.

The program is not ready to receive applications yet but because of limited funds anyone needing assistance should prepare to apply now as well as check HOUSING.MT.GOV for program updates.