Why can’t I apply now?

Utah has been providing rental assistance since May 2020. At the end of February 2021, the federal Department of the Treasury issued new guidance for rental assistance, so the Utah Department of Workforce Services now must ensure that the state’s program is updated to meet the federal requirements. 

To achieve this, there will be a pause in accepting new applications from March 1 to March 14.

On March 15, a new, centralized online application will become available here at rentrelief.utah.gov. Renters who need assistance anywhere in Utah can apply with the new online application starting March 15.

The two-week pause will also give local agencies that had previously been processing applications a chance to process any backlogs in order to more quickly process applications submitted through the new portal.  

I’m concerned about paying my March rent. What should I do?

Speak with your landlord. Share with them your situation and your plan to apply for rental assistance. Work with them to develop a plan for payment or to make partial payments. 

There is still a national eviction moratorium in place, but that does not remove a renter’s responsibility to pay rent, and it does not prevent all evictions. Communicating with your landlord is essential. Renters who are concerned about eviction should fill out the CDC Tenant Declaration Form and deliver  it to their landlord.

Am I eligible to receive rental assistance?

Emergency Rental Assistance can help renters who are unable to pay their rent and utilities due to circumstances related to COVID-19. Expenses from March 13, 2020 to December 31, 2021 may be covered. Eligible renters must meet of the requirements:

• Combined household income at or below 80% of area median income 

• Someone in the household has qualified for unemployment, or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19

• Household is experiencing housing instability (for example, received a past-due utility or rent notice or eviction notice, or living in unsafe or unhealthy living conditions) 

• Applicant resides in the household and is on the lease

Applicants may be prioritized and expedited if they are: 

• Unemployed for at least 90 days, or

• At or below 50% area median income

What documentation should I gather?

Your application will be processed more quickly if you can provide the following documents:

• Your full lease agreement (all pages)

• A copy of your landlord’s W-9 or landlord contact information

• A ledger from your landlord showing outstanding rent and/or other fees

• Income Certification

  • 2020 1040 tax form (or W-2, 1099, K-1, etc.) 

  • Recent paystubs (30 days)

• Past-due utility bill (if applicable)

• Eviction notice (if applicable)