Minnesota Rent Relief Is Finally Here!

There’s finally good news for Minnesota housing providers whose tenants haven’t paid rent during the Covid-19 pandemic and eviction moratorium. Federal Emergency Rental Assistance funds are finally available to provide up to 15 months of rent and utility relief.

To be eligible, one or more members of the tenant’s household must demonstrate how the pandemic has impacted their ability to pay rent; either through a loss of income Total income for the household may not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by HUD in the resident’s home county.

Tenants will be eligible for up to 15 months of rental and utility assistance, though to start, only back rent and utilities will be covered.

Aid will initially be available for past rent and utility bills.  Once those funds have been disbursed to all who apply, any remaining federal funds may be released to apply toward future rent.

The money does not have to be repaid.

Tenants must start the application for rent relief at renthelpmn.org or by calling 211. Housing providers will be paid directly via direct deposit or check.