Get help paying rent during COVID-19

Allegheny County is partnering with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) to jointly fund the CARES Rent Relief Program. CARES helps people experiencing job loss or loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis.

Applications can be submitted through September 30, 2020

Get Started

Who can apply?

  • Renters who have experienced job loss or a reduction in annual income due to COVID-19
  • Landlords who have lost rental income because a renter has experienced job loss or a reduction in income as a result of COVID-19

How do renter's qualify?

  • Renter’s income may not exceed the Area Median Income for Allegheny CountyArea Median Income for Allegheny County (and adjusted for the number of people in the household).
  • Renter must document at least a 30% reduction in income since March 1, 2020, due to COVID-19; OR
  • Renter must have become unemployed, as verified by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, after March 1, 2020 as a result of COVID-19.

What assistance is provided?

  • Up to $750/month per household in state-funded rental assistance;
  • Up to $750/month per household in Allegheny County-funded rental assistance
  • Up to $200/month per household in County funding to cover additional household costs for gas, electric, and/or internet; late fees charged by the landlord and/or utility company; and/or court costs
  • Payments will be made directly to the landlord and utility companies on behalf of the renter for a maximum of six months of assistance between March 1 and November 30, 2020 (may include December rent).

Important dates to remember:

Apply
July 6, 2020—September 30, 2020

Recipients of PHFA funding will receive it by
November 30, 2020

Funds can be used to pay rent from
March 1, 2020 to December, 2020