COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA)

Having trouble paying or receiving rent? MSHDA has federal funds available to help tenants facing pandemic-related hardships avoid eviction while also ensuring landlords can recoup owed rent through the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program. MSHDA administers CERA through its statewide network of local nonprofit agencies. We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply today and take advantage of a program that can help restore housing stability.

CERA online application now available!!

The tenant or landlord can initiate the online application process. The tenant or landlord will need to enter the tenant's name, address and email address, and the landlord's email address. This will initiate emails to both the tenant and landlord for them to complete their portion of the application. Service agencies will communicate via email with the tenant and landlord if additional information is needed. The tenant and landlord will receive notice via email when the case is processed and how much funding has been approved.

In a few weeks, the application will be updated so the landlord can complete all "Tenant" and "Landlord" application fields and uploads, and the tenant will receive an email to confirm the application is true and correct.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

CERA serves renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) who meet the following conditions:

• Individual(s) in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak; and
• Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability evidenced by a past due utility or rent notice.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY FOR RENT RELIEF NOW? AREN'T RENTERS AUTOMATICALLY PROTECTED BY THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL EVICTION MORATORIUM UNTIL OCT. 3, 2021?

• Not necessarily. The eviction moratorium is only in effect for counties that the CDC determines are experiencing "substantial" or "high" transmission of COVID-19. You can visit the CDC COVID Data Tracker to see if your county qualifies.
• Counties are covered by the moratorium based on whether they met the threshold for substantial transmission of the virus as of August 3. Counties that are not covered as of August 3, but later experience substantial or high levels of transmission, will become subject to the order at that time. Counties that experience a decrease in cases and positive tests and no longer meet the threshold will cease to be subject to the order.
• For those areas subject to the moratorium, it protects against eviction when invoked by the tenant but does not help tenants pay their arrears. Applying to CERA will help pay arrears now and avoid possible eviction later.
• If tenants do not invoke the moratorium, they could still face eviction for nonpayment of rent. Applying to CERA can help pay arrears for filed evictions and could ultimately help avoid eviction.
• Some landlords may still attempt to file an eviction for nonpayment of rent, even if the tenant invokes the moratorium. Applying to CERA can help pay arrears for filed evictions and could ultimately help avoid eviction.
  

HOW DO I APPLY?

• Use the secure online application portal ("Apply Now" button above) to submit your application for assistance.
• This is the best way to apply for those that have a smart phone, tablet, or computer. Tenants and landlords can also apply through their local service agency.
• If you cannot apply online, please see the CERA Contact List for the service agency in your county (at the top of this page under CERA Resources).

What tenant documents are required to determine eligibility?

• Completed CERA Tenant application.
• Copy of past-due rent notice, a notice to quit or a court ordered summons, complaint or judgement.
• Copy of state ID or passport for the tenant applicant (with proof of residency if address does not match the unit.) (Alternate IDs are acceptable.)
• Most current copy of lease agreement in tenant's name (if a written lease was completed.)
• Provide all proof of earned and unearned income for household members that live at the property and that are over the age of 18.
• Household income/benefits (unemployment, SSI, etc.) for one month, OR
• Copy of submitted 2020 IRS form 1040 (first two pages) OR
• Food Assistance Program Notice of Case Action form (only applicable for households with 3 or less people.)
• Copy of ALL utility statements the tenant is responsible for, if applicable.
• Copy of Internet bill/statement, if applicable.