$145 Million Rent Help Fund Opens For Applications In King County

KING COUNTY, WA — The application window has opened for millions of dollars in financial help now available for King County households that have fallen one or more months behind on rent since the COVID-19 health crisis began. King County's $145 million Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program will help residents stay in their homes and reimburse landlords for up to a full year of rent.

The program works in partnership with property owners and managers and will select new tenants to receive assistance from a pool of applicants each week. A pilot program launched last fall and successfully helped thousands pay overdue rent, according to the county.

"The sudden economic upheaval from the pandemic threatened the ability of thousands of our friends and neighbors to keep a roof over their heads last year, and King County was able to help more than 9,000 families," said Dow Constantine, King County Executive. "Expanding rental assistance now will help three times more people who are still in need — working with tenants, landlords, and trusted community partners — and King County is ready to help keep families in their homes."

The county is working to build on last year's success, covering more unpaid utility bills, back rent, and up to three months of future rent costs for eligible households. To participate, landlords must agree not to terminate or refuse to renew tenancy until after Dec. 31, unless the property is sold or there are "health and safety issues."

Each household must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Residence within the King County geographical area.
• A lease, or proof of regular recurring rent payments.
• Household income at or below 50% of Area Median Income; households can use 2020 income or current income to prove eligibility.
• Must prove they are experiencing a financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Must prove they are at risk of experiencing homelessness or currently experiencing housing instability.

Tenants experiencing economic hardship may submit applications online, and there are also several options available to assist in the process, through community-based organizations.

Officials said the county has worked to reach out to landlords and owners of large properties with multiple tenants to detail how the program works. According to the county, roughly 5,000 properties have already signed up to participate.

Residents with more questions about the new rental assistance options can find more information onlineor give the county a call at 206-263-3481.