ERAP Louisiana Rental Assistance

The ERAP Louisiana (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) is comprised of participation from 57 parishes across the state. The local municipalities and parishes that are listed below have decided to administer their programs. If you live in one of these parishes, you will not be able to apply for the state program since you will not meet the requirements to do so. Because local programs could differ in terms of eligibility, prioritizing, benefits, and the application process, applicants should contact the local programs directly.

How to Qualify for Erap Louisiana-Understanding Eligibility

• You must be a resident of one of the program's 57 parishes.
• As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic and/or other economic factors, at least one member of the household qualified for unemployment benefits, the household's income dropped, large costs were incurred, or the household encountered some other type of financial difficulty.
• They have received a notice that they are overdue on their rent, a notice that they are behind on their utilities, an eviction notice, or are experiencing housing instability.
• The household's income does not surpass 80% of the maximum for the area's median income (AMI) The total amount of program payments for your parish cannot exceed 120 percent of the FMR values. Please see this website for more information.

APPROVED LANDLORDS

• The eviction proceedings against the tenant for unpaid rent will not begin until April 2020.
• If assistance is no longer available, the tenant will not be evicted for at least sixty days, unless there is a compelling reason to do so.
• Except for late fines of up to $100 per month, the organization will waive all penalties, interest, and court charges related to renting accrued between April 2020 and the date of remittance of program rental assistance.

DOCUMENTS for ERAP Louisiana

Tenant Application Checklist

Landlord Application Checklist

Area Median Income Statistics

FAQS

• Who may apply for the Louisiana Rental Assistance?

To qualify for the rental aid provided by the Louisiana ERAP, a renter must first apply and live in one of the 57 parishes that are under the program's administration. Either the landlord or the prospective tenant may apply to a rental unit. During the application process, it is common practice to request information from both parties to complete the procedure.

Renters who live in one of the seven parishes or LGUs that are responsible for the administration of their emergency rental assistance programs are required to make direct contact with the parish program administrators using the links that are provided below.

What can I do if my application hasn't been completed or processed and I'm about to be evicted?

If you are facing eviction, apply right away using the program's Application Portal, which may be found here. Past-due rent as early as April 1, 2020, late fees of up to $100 a month, past-due utility expenditures as early as April 1, 2020, and up to three months ahead of rent are all covered by Louisiana's Emergency Rental Assistance Program. If you are unable to access the application online, please call 877.459.6555 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

How do I apply for ERAP Louisiana?

To apply for ERAP Louisiana, follow these simple steps to ensure your application is submitted correctly and efficiently:

1. Visit the Application Portal: Navigate to the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program Application Portal. Here, you'll find a user-friendly interface that leads you through the application process.
2. Gather Necessary Documents: Before starting your application, collect all required documentation. This may include proof of income, rental agreement, past due rent notices, utility bills, and identification. Keeping these documents handy will help streamline the application process.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form with accurate and up-to-date information regarding your household, income level, and rental situation. Be sure to double-check your entries for completeness; any omissions can delay the processing of your application.
4. Submit Your Application: After you have thoroughly filled out the application and attached all necessary documents, apply through the portal. Make sure to save any confirmation or reference number you receive upon submission.
5. Follow Up: After submission, monitor the status of your application through the portal. If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your status, you can reach out to

Which parishes are eligible for Louisiana ERAP?

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in Louisiana is designed to provide relief to renters in need and is available across various parishes throughout the state. Eligibility for funding is determined based on the specific parish where your rental unit is located. Here’s a breakdown of the parishes that are currently eligible for ERAP:

1. Orleans Parish: Including New Orleans, this area has been significantly impacted by economic hardships, making ERAP essential for many residents facing eviction.
2. East Baton Rouge Parish: As the state's capital, it experiences a high demand for rental assistance, particularly during challenging times.
3. Jefferson Parish: With a diverse population, this region is included in ERAP to assist residents struggling with rental payments.
4. St. Tammany Parish: Located north of Lake Pontchartrain, St. Tammany has its share of residents in need of assistance due to increased living costs and job instability.
5. Calcasieu Parish: This area has seen its share of natural disasters and economic challenges, making ERAP vital for local renters.
6. Webster and Bienville Parishes: These more rural areas are also

How long does Louisiana ERAP take to process applications?

If you are facing eviction, you should apply for ERAP Louisiana as soon as possible and include all proof, including the eviction notice if possible. If the landlord refuses to cooperate, you should attach a note to your application and inform your case manager about the eviction threat.

You can also send an email to info@lastaterent.com with the subject “Eviction Help” and include information about your case as well as your application number.

There are additional free resources available to help with homelessness prevention, such as:

• To locate a shelter or homelessness prevention service in your region, dial 211.Visit www.LAHousingSearch.com or call 1-877-428-8844 to search for available inexpensive houses. Visit Louisiana's Housing Coordinated Entry Access Points atwww.laboscoc.org/housing-and-services or call 225-388-5800 for local homelessness prevention resources. For a list of community partners from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, go to www.hud.gov/states/louisiana/homeless.Visit www.LouianaLawHelp.org for more information on the evictionprocessin Louisiana. Visit www.Ready.NOLA.gov for information onrenter's rights and eviction procedures, especially after a disaster. Shreveport ERAP

What are the minimum requirements for monthly rental revenue?

To qualify for assistance under the ERAP Louisiana (Emergency Rental Assistance Program), a household's annual income cannot be higher than 80 percent of the median income for the parish, as determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Please click here to view the AMI statistics broken down by parish.

• What is the purpose of the Internal Revenue Service Form 1099-G that I received from the Louisiana Rental Assistance?

You are receiving this form because the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program made a payment to you in 2021 for services rendered as a landlord or utility company. These payments were made by the government of the state. Simply clicking on this link will take you to the desired page with further details.

What does Louisiana's Rental Assistance Program cover?

Louisiana's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is designed to provide crucial financial support to renters facing difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program primarily covers:

1. Rent Payments

ERAP assists eligible households in paying their rent, ensuring that they can maintain their housing stability during tough times. The assistance typically covers both current and past due rent, helping to alleviate the financial burden that renters may experience.

2. Utility Payments

In addition to rent, the program also offers support for utility expenses. This includes payments for essential services such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage. By covering these costs, ERAP helps prevent utility disconnections that may leave families without access to necessary services.

3. Internet Services

Recognizing the increasing importance of internet access, especially during the pandemic, ERAP may include support for internet services. This ensures that families can maintain connectivity for work, education, and communicating with vital services.

4. Rehousing Assistance

For individuals and families unable to return to their previous residences, the program can offer support for relocating to new housing. This assistance may cover moving costs or deposits required for securing a new rental property

For qualifying households, the program pays rent arrears dating back to April 2020 as well as up to three months of future rent, for a total of 15 months. If specified in the existing lease terms, monthly late fines of up to $100 may be paid.

Payment is usually given to the landlord, however, if the landlord is unresponsive, payment may be made to the tenant. Direct payments made to renters to pay rent may not exceed six months' rent.

For someone who has been evicted, the program can pay up to three months of future rent for a new rental place with a signed lease. The program will cover a person's accommodation expenditures while they look for a new rental unit.

Furthermore, the program can help tenants with past-due and current utilities and home energy expenditures, as well as some penalty fees, such as electricity, gas, fuel oil, water and sewer, and rubbish pickup for up to 15 months. Utility payments are received by the utility provider.

If I have already received aid from the Louisiana Rental Assistance Program, are I eligible to apply for additional assistance?

No, you are only allowed one application for the program, and the advantages you receive will be determined at the time your award is given.

If you have already submitted an application to the Louisiana Emergency Rental Aid Program and received funding from the program, you do not need to do anything else to be eligible for additional aid. This will be determined automatically. If further funding is made available in the future and you qualify for the program based on your initial application, you will be contacted by the program.

Only one application will be considered for each household or individual tenant. Financing is made more difficult by duplicate applications, which are then removed from the system.

Struggling to pay rent? Louisiana's Rental Assistance Program provides critical aid to help renters maintain their housing. Don't wait—check your eligibility and apply today!