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Pressed for time? Here’s a summary.
Renters facing financial hardship still need clear paths to avoid displacement, access rental assistance, and understand their rights. While the 2021 federal eviction moratorium is no longer in effect, renters today can still seek help through local rental assistance programs, housing counselors, legal aid, and community resource networks like 211.
The current Rent Relief program is designed to help eligible renters at participating properties catch up on past-due rent, avoid eviction, and regain financial stability. Eligible residents may qualify for up to three months of rental assistance, with a maximum of $5,000, depending on program criteria, Stable Home Fund underwriting, and available funding.
The renter support landscape has changed
At the height of the COVID-19 crisis, temporary federal protections helped slow evictions and reduce housing instability. The federal CDC eviction moratorium has since ended, which means renters now rely on a broader mix of local protections, assistance programs, and support resources instead of a single federal protection.
Today, support may come from:
- State and local rental assistance programs
- Housing counseling
- Legal aid
- Community resource networks
- And property-level flexibility where available
Resources for renters facing eviction
Property owners and managers can still help residents navigate hardship by pointing them toward practical support, including:
- Rental assistance programs
The CFPB notes that state and local organizations are a good place to start when renters need help with rent and other bills. The NLIHC maintains a searchable database of Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance programs, while also noting that many have limited funding or are no longer accepting applications. - 211
Both CFPB and NLIHC direct renters to 211 for local assistance. 211 offers confidential help with housing, bills, food, health, and crisis support. - Findhelp
Renters can use Findhelp to search for housing, financial assistance, legal support, health care, and other local programs. - Housing counseling and legal aid
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies may offer rental housing counseling, and renters facing eviction may qualify for free or low-cost legal aid depending on income. - Direct communication with residents
Owners and managers can also support residents by discussing payment plans, connecting them to available resources, and working through practical next steps where possible.
Rent Relief funds for renters
Rent Relief is designed to support renters facing temporary financial hardship and is offered in partnership with Stable Home Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity. The program helps eligible residents:
- Catch up on past-due rent;
- Avoid eviction;
- And regain financial stability.
To qualify, residents must:
- Live in a property that partners with Esusu;
- Owe less than $5,000 in rent;
- Be no more than three months behind;
- And not be in the active eviction process.
Eligibility is available regardless of immigration status for renters at enrolled properties who are experiencing financial hardship.
Eligible residents may receive up to three months of rental assistance, with a maximum of $5,000 total support. The application process is designed to be quick, with decisions typically communicated within 2-3 weeks, subject to Stable Home Fund underwriting and funding availability.
Final thoughts
Housing stability still depends on coordinated support from property owners, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and financial tools that help renters recover from short-term hardship. The emergency policies of 2021 may have passed, but the need for practical renter support remains.
For the latest information on the Rent Relief program - including eligibility, application details, and program updates - visit the Rent Relief page.