Resources for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)

 

If you missed some rent or utility payments because of the pandemic or COVID-19, you may be able to get help from the county through new emergency rental assistance (ERA) programs. This assistance does not have to be paid back and can cover past rent and up to three months of future rent in some cases. 

If you are about to be evicted, GLS may be able to help – at no cost to you – with the legal process.

For help with a legal issue, apply for GLS services.

Sarasota County ERA:

Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, plus an additional three months if the grantee determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and grantee funds are available. Households may reapply for additional assistance at the end of the three-month period if needed and the overall time limit for assistance is not exceeded.

Household Eligibility:

Renting households at or below 80% area median income (AMI) facing homelessness or housing instability due to inability to pay rent and/or utilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such households must be able to demonstrate the impact of COVID-19.

Look for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program at here or call 941-861-RENT (7368).

Manatee County ERA:

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) provides funds to renters in Manatee County and its municipalities who are delinquent on rent and in need of rental payment assistance due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funds will be provided as a grant for rent and landlord-paid utilities for approved applicants. Eligible renters may receive grant funds up to 12 months of assistance, if needed, through November 2021, whichever is less. Funds will be paid directly to the landlord.

To be eligible for this grant, a resident must meet the eligibility guidelines below and file an application through an online portal.

Look for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program here or call 941-745-6270.

Pinellas County ERA:

Residents of Pinellas County may receive housing assistance through the County here.

You may qualify if: 

  • You’ve lost your job or significant income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 
  • You’re behind on rent payments or at risk of missing a rent payment, and 
  • You have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).

For Other County ERAs, check out our webpage for the Florida Legal Aid Eviction Prevention Project.

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