The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently launched the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) https://www.mass.gov/info-details/emergency-housing-assistance-during-covid-19 , a new funding mechanism to disburse state and federal funding resources for tenants and landlords to avoid evictions and maintain household stability throughout the COVID-19 emergency. ERAP is available to households earning less than 80% AMI, and includes enhanced benefits, including:
- Renters and landlords may receive up to 12 months of assistance with past due rent, plus up to 3 months of future rent. Please call 2-1-1 or connect directly with your regional agency through our online portal here:
https://hedfuel.azurewebsites.net/raa.aspx
For more information, please check out our website:
https://www.mass.gov/guides/facing-eviction-we-can-help
- Renters may also receive up to $1,500 for overdue utilities accrued after March 13, 2020.
Along with the enhanced ERAP benefits, tenants and landlords may be able to access free legal and mediation services offered through the Eviction Diversion Initiative.
- Free legal services are available to eligible tenants and low-income landlords in owner-occupied 2-3 family homes through the COVID Eviction Legal Help Program (CELHP). More information available here.
https://evictionlegalhelp.org/find-legal-help/
- Free community mediation services for eligible tenants and landlords who need help in reaching agreements that work for both of them. More information available here.
https://www.resolutionma.org/