Hernandez Shares New Rental Relief Program

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is encouraging tenants and landlords who have experienced financial hardship because of the pandemic to apply for relief funding through the new Illinois Rental Payment Program.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to countless families in their ability to pay rent and stay in their homes,” said Hernandez. “The Rental Payment Program was critical this past year in providing relief to both renters and landlords, helping keep individuals and families stay in their homes and providing landlords with the means to keep their businesses afloat. I am extremely pleased to see this second round of rental assistance is estimated to support over 120,000 households in Illinois.”

The Illinois Rental Payment Program is open to all Illinois landlords and tenants who meet certain eligibility requirements. Some of the program’s requirements for renters include being at least one month behind on rent and having a household income that is not greater than 80% of their area’s median income. To apply, housing providers and tenants must submit a joint application together. Applicants can receive up to $25,000 in assistance through the program. Relief funds can cover the cost of three months of upcoming rent payments and 12 months of past missed rent payments. Applications started by landlords are currently being accepted and will remain open until June 7. Tenant-initiated applications will be available from June 9 through June 28. To apply or view a complete list of eligibility requirements, please visit https://www.ihda.org/about-ihda/illinois-rental-payment-program/.

The launch of the Illinois Rental Payment Program coincides with Gov. JB Pritzker’s announcement on Monday that the state’s eviction moratorium is set to be phased out in the coming months. The moratorium is expected to be completely lifted in August.

“With the conclusion of the eviction moratorium, the Illinois Rental Payment Program will improve the lives of many residents in our community and support our local economy as a whole,” said Hernandez. “I encourage all tenants and landlords who have experienced financial hardship due to this crisis to apply for assistance through this program and reach out to my office with any questions or assistance.”