Mason Shares New Rental Relief Program

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is encouraging tenants and landlords who have experienced financial hardship as a result of the pandemic to apply for relief funding through the new Illinois Rental Payment Program.

“As we approach a return to normalcy in terms of public health, we have to remember that we still have a lot of work to do to get our economy back on track,” Mason said. “I’m glad to be sharing a sweeping rental relief initiative that will help renters and housing providers recover from financial difficulties they’ve suffered over the past year. Not only will this program make a difference in the lives of countless residents throughout my district, but it will also help speed up recovery for our economy as a whole.”

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. 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 ban on evictions coming to an end soon, the Illinois Rental Payment Program couldn’t come at a better time,” Mason said. “I encourage all tenants and landlords who have experienced financial hardship due to this crisis, especially those who will be impacted by the lifting of the eviction moratorium, to apply for assistance through this program.”