Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
Due to overwhelming response, the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program application process has been temporarily suspended. Click the link below if you would like to receive a notification when the application period reopens.
Program Overview
In an effort to help lessen the outbreak’s economic impacts, the program will provide emergency assistance to renters who are at imminent risk of eviction as a result of shutdowns, closures, layoffs, reduced work hours, or unpaid leave due to the COVID-19 health crisis.
Eligible applicants will receive assistance for rent in a one-time, lump-sum payment made directly to property owners or management companies. The total assistance amount will depend on income eligibility.
How to Apply
Need Application Assistance?
If you would like to receive assistance with submitting the required documents, email larenthelp@lhc.la.gov or call (225) 763-8704.
To be eligible, renters must:
- Rent an apartment or house in Louisiana
- Have a valid and current written lease signed by the landlord
- Have lost income because of COVID-19
- At risk of being evicted
- Income is at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
Renters are not eligible if:
- Currently reside in public housing funded by Public Housing Authorities, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Receive other government rental assistance (Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers, Permanent Supportive Housing, or Section 811)
- Landlord is a relative
Income eligibility requirements:
- 1 Person $13,500
- 2 Person $15,450
- 3 Person $17,350
- 4 Person $19,300
- 5 Person $20,850
- 6 Person $22,400
- 7 Person $23,900
- 8 Person $25,450
Income guidelines apply to current household income related to COVID-19 income loss.
To apply renters will have to submit:
- A completed application
- A valid and current written lease signed by the landlord
- A written statement that describes how the household’s financial situation has changed
- A valid ID that matches the name on the lease
- Additional documentation is required. See Checklist & Documents section below.
Landlord & Property Owners
As the landlord, you are acknowledging that your tenant is applying for rental assistance through the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program. You are acknowledging that the funds provided are to go only toward rent payments for your tenant and any monies provided to you through this program beyond what is owed must be used towards future rent payments for your tenant.
LANDLORD & PROPERTY OWNER FACTSHEET
Download the Landlord and Property Owner Factsheet to gain a better understanding of your role in the application process.
LANDLORD & PROPERTY OWNER TUTORIAL
This video tutorial is designed to help landlords and property owners complete the required documents for the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
For the renter to participate, the landlord must:
- Accept the rental payment
- Be current on taxes
- Not pursue eviction for non-payment while receiving rental assistance
- Waive any late fees or penalties for rent not paid during the period of time the rent payments are received
Required Documents:
- Rental Assistance Contract
- Owners Breach of Rental Assistance Contract
- W9 (2)
- Direct Deposit Information
- Additional documentation is required. See Checklist & Documents section below.
Documents & Checklists
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants must initiate the first step in the application process at LaRentHelp.com, texting the keyword LaRentHelp to 898-211 to receive a link, or by dialing 2-1-1 to speak to a representative for assistance. The Louisiana Housing Corporation will contact applicants for the second step where they will be asked to submit required documents. After all required documents are submitted, eligibility will be determined by the Louisiana Housing Corporation. All applicants will be notified about the status of their application using the address provided in the first application step.
No, there is no set deadline for application submissions. Applications will be accepted until all program funds are fully expended. However, funds are limited.
Yes, if you have experienced a loss or decrease in income due to COVID-19 and receive unemployment benefits, you may apply for emergency rental assistance.
After the first step in the application is submitted online or with 211 assistance, the Louisiana Housing Corporation anticipates that contact will be made within 30 days.
Within 30 days of submitting all of the required documentation.
Click here to access answers to all of the Frequently Asked Questions related to the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Continuum of Care Directory
The Continuum of Care (CoC) Network is a coalition of organizations and people dedicated to ending homelessness by providing housing, services, and technical assistance to Louisiana residents. Click the link below to locate the CoC nearest you.
