Short months ago, when it became clear how many renters across the state of Pennsylvania were having significant trouble paying their rent due to layoffs, reduced hours or wages from the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Tom Wolf issued an executive order extending the eviction moratorium through July 10.
That day is fast approaching. The state has allocated some of its $2.6 billion CARES Act discretionary funds to a statewide renter assistance program to help households keep stable housing in an unstable time. This $150 million fund will be accepting applications beginning Monday, July 6.
The turnaround time to process these applications is extremely tight, and many advocates are calling for Governor Wolf to extend the moratorium through the month of July to allow renters time to apply for, and access, rent assistance.
Resources for Renters - Note: all three application forms must be completed and submitted.
- Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Rent Program (landing page for the program)
- Lessee Household Certification-Renter Application
- Landlord Application
- Landlord-Property Certification
- County Contact List for Application Processing (where to send your application)
- Rent Assistance Application Fact Sheet
"PHFA's call center is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist the public and help with questions about the CARES Rent Relief Program. The toll-free number is 1-855-U-Are-Home (827-3466). Callers should listen for the prompt mentioning CARES assistance for renters."
Related News
- Evictions could begin before Pa. rental assistance program can provide relief (Spotlight PA)
- Pa. eviction ban nears end while aid still in pipeline (Altoona Mirror)
- $175M available soon to Pa. renters, mortgage holders struggling with payments (Trib Live)
The CARES Act blog is intended to provide information and is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. The author is not a legal, medical or financial professional and the information presented should not be considered advice and is for reference only. Lehigh Valley Public Media and its employees claim no liability for any actions taken by readers based on the information provided here.