In December, Governor Kim Reynolds announced a new $9 million program created through the CARES Act to provide for rental payment assistance to low-income Iowans facing eviction and assistance to transition homeless Iowans back to housing. This program was launched as an effort to help those facing home insecurities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In this article, we cover the specifics of the new Iowa Housing Assistance Program including
- Do I qualify for the Iowa housing assistance program?
- What are the benefits of the new Iowa housing assistance program?
This new program was named the Emergency Solutions Grant Program and went live December 7th. It is separate and distinct from the Iowa Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program launched during the spring/summer which had also addressed similar issues. This program will take applicants through September 2022 or until money runs out.
Examples of assistance available through this program includes rent/utility payments, including arrears, legal assistance, application fees, security and utility deposits, moving costs, case management and credit repair. All of this financial assistance is paid directly to the landlords and service providers.
Do I Qualify for Iowa’s Rental Assistance Program?
To qualify for rental assistance under this new program, a tenant must meet the following criteria:
- Have a household income at or below the 50% mark for median income of their county
- Demonstrate that you have been “economically impacted” by the Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic
- Provide a copy of your written lease with their landlord as well as a notice of eviction.
- Undergo a screening by regional partner agencies.
Application for these funds needs to occur after the tenant has received notice for nonpayment from their landlord.
How does Iowa’s Housing Assistance Program Work?
The Governor’s announcement of this additional supplemental funding for rental assistance is beneficial both to landlords and tenants. The government assistance provided is being paid directly from the government to the landlords. Tenants benefit by avoiding eviction/non-payment and having their landlords off their backs.
It is encouraged that landlords and property managers provide information of this program to tenants struggling to make rent, encouraging them to apply. With the pandemic causing many tenants and potential tenants to struggle financially, it may be beneficial for all involved for a landlord to keep their tenants and accept payments from these programs.
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