REALTOR® members who are property owners and landlords now have access to rental assistance. Earlier this month, the state of Louisiana launched the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to provide financial assistance to both renters and property owners experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state-administered program, which will provide assistance to 57 parishes* in Louisiana is focusing on paying up to 12 months of past-due rent and up to three months of future rent for eligible applicants. Priority is given to households where at least one member has been unemployed for more than 90 days due to COVID-19 and to households earning less than 50% of the Area Median Income, as required by law.
In an effort to help citizens understand the program and receive details on eligibility and the application process, the Louisiana Housing Corporation and Louisiana's Office of Community Development will co-host a series of virtual information sessions. We encourage REALTOR® members to attend if you have any questions and encourage you to pass along this information to any renters that have a need to apply for assistance.
Information regarding dates and times can be found at https://www.lastaterent.com/info-sessions or by calling 877-459-6555. These sessions are for information purposes only and there is no commitment to participate in the relief program or requirement to attend the sessions.
The program is open and accepting applications. For questions about the program or assistance with the application process, renters or property owners can call the program Contact Center at 877-459-6555 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
*Those living in Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes cannot apply to the state's program, as these jurisdictions elected to administer their own programs. Please contact your local representatives or visit www.LAStateRent.com to learn more if you are located in one of these parishes and need assistance.
