Last updated: July 1, 2026
Quick Answer
The City of Miami’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) provides direct payments to landlords and utility providers for income-eligible renters who have fallen behind due to COVID-19. Eligible households can receive up to 15 months of assistance — including past-due rent, utilities, and up to three months of future rent — capped at $3,000 per month with a maximum of $36,000. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to households earning below 50% AMI and those facing active eviction. Apply online through the City of Miami’s portal or submit a paper application at select City locations.
About the City of Miami ERA Program
The City of Miami’s ERA 2021 program is designed to assist income-eligible renters within City of Miami boundaries who are behind on rent and/or have suffered financial hardship due to COVID-19. Funded by the U.S. Treasury, the program makes one-time direct payments to landlords and utility providers on the tenant’s behalf — the tenant does not receive funds directly. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis while funds remain available and are processed in the order received, with priority exceptions noted below.
The program is administered by the City of Miami in collaboration with Nan McKay & Associates, Inc. and Sunshine for All, Inc. Once an application is submitted, applicants may receive follow-up emails from NanMcKay.com or Sunshineforall.org — check spam and junk folders regularly to avoid missing requests for additional documentation.
Program at a Glance
What the Program Covers
Qualifying households may receive assistance for the following:
- Past-due rent accrued on or after March 13, 2020, plus up to three months of future rent.
- Utilities — water and sewer, electricity, natural gas, and home internet service.
- Other housing-related expenses on a case-by-case basis — including relocation expenses for displaced households, rental fees, and reasonable accrued late fees.
Excluded: Assistance cannot duplicate rental benefits already received, including Section 8 vouchers, project-based rental assistance, HOPWA, VASH vouchers, public housing, or other COVID relief programs covering the same months.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:
- City of Miami residency: All Miami property folios begin with “01.” Confirm you’re within city boundaries using the Miami-Dade property search tool before applying.
- Income at or below 80% AMI: 2020 total household income must not exceed 80% of the HUD Area Median Income based on household size.
- COVID-19 financial hardship: The applicant or an adult household member must have qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in income, or encountered other financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.
- Risk of housing instability: The applicant or an adult household member must demonstrate risk of homelessness or housing instability.
- Complete documentation: All required supporting documents must be submitted either through the online portal or with a paper application. Applications without complete documentation will not be processed.
Priority Processing
The following households receive priority consideration when applications are reviewed:
- Households with income below 50% of the Area Median Income.
- Households with a member who has been unemployed for at least 90 consecutive days before the application date.
- Households that have received a 3-day eviction notice or are currently involved in eviction proceedings.
Behind on rent or utilities in Miami? Find out what assistance may be available to you.
How to Apply
Given the anticipated high volume of applications, the City strongly recommends applying through the online portal. For landlords submitting documents on behalf of a tenant who has already applied, submit a W-9 form and any relevant supporting documents through the City’s portal.
Paper applications are also available for those who prefer them. Once the application window opens, paper applications can be downloaded and printed from the City of Miami website, or picked up at select City locations. Completed paper applications must be mailed to the program’s P.O. Box or dropped in the designated dropbox along with photocopies of all required supporting documentation. Note that the City is not responsible for delays or lost applications caused by postal service issues.
Pro Tip
If you have received a 3-day eviction notice, note this prominently in your application — it qualifies you for priority processing. Submit the notice itself as a supporting document. Landlords who refer tenants to the program should have the tenant complete and submit all required documentation; the landlord referral alone does not trigger priority or advance the application.
Rental Assistance in the Greater Miami Area
The City of Miami ERA program covers only properties within the City’s boundaries (folio numbers beginning with “01”). Residents elsewhere in Miami-Dade County should check the Miami-Dade County-level programs for their area. Neighboring cities also have dedicated programs: the Hialeah rental assistance program covers Hialeah residents through the Housing Assistance Network of Dade (HAND) and similar ESG-funded resources. Residents of Broward County — including Fort Lauderdale — should check the Broward County rental assistance programs.
Tenants in Miami who are currently in active eviction proceedings should also review alternatives to eviction available in Florida — including legal aid, mediation, and negotiated payment plans — which can work alongside a pending ERA application to provide maximum protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami’s ERA Program
Behind on Rent in Miami? Don’t Wait to Apply
ERA funds are limited and processed in order received. Connect with an advisor to find out what you qualify for and get started today.