Struggling to pay rent or utilities in Kentucky? You’re not alone — and help is available.
The Kentucky Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program was launched to help renters weather the COVID-19 storm, but even in 2025, the need for support remains high. Rising housing costs, job instability, and inflation continue to stretch household budgets across the Commonwealth. Fortunately, funding for rental and utility assistance still exists through various state, city, and local programs. This guide will walk you through who qualifies, how to apply, and what kind of support you can access to stay safely housed.

What Is the Kentucky Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) Program?

Overview of KERA’s Original Rollout During the Pandemic

KERA was introduced in early 2021 in response to the housing crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) dollars from the U.S. Treasury, the program offered rental and utility assistance to low-income Kentuckians impacted by income loss, illness, or increased household expenses due to the pandemic.

Initially designed as a short-term emergency solution, KERA rapidly evolved into one of the most expansive rental relief efforts in state history.

How Much Aid Was Distributed and Its Long-Term Impact

From 2021 to 2023, KERA distributed over $200 million to Kentucky households, helping thousands avoid eviction or utility shutoffs. The program:

• Covered past-due rent and utilities, helping families get back on their feet.

• Provided future rent payments, giving households time to stabilize.

• Supported landlord participation, ensuring broader reach and fewer evictions.

Long-term impact: KERA helped reduce homelessness rates, protected tenants from unlawful evictions, and stabilized rental markets across the state. Data from the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) shows that most recipients were lower-income families with children or seniors.

Who Managed the Program: Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC)

KHC administered the statewide KERA program in coordination with local governments, housing agencies, and community partners. It also maintained an online portal, teamkyhherf.ky.gov, where tenants and landlords could apply for assistance, check application status, and upload documents.

Is KERA Still Available in 2025?

Status Update as of 2025

As of early 2025, the original KERA program has closed, but many local and regional programs remain active. While the central portal is no longer accepting new applications, renters can still access emergency rental assistance through city and county-level initiatives funded by remaining federal or state grants.

What Programs Are Still Accepting Applications (State, City, County-Level)

Though statewide KERA is closed, localized programs have stepped in to fill the gap. Examples include:

• Louisville Metro Emergency Assistance Program (LEAP)

• Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government rental assistance

• Community Action Agencies serving counties across Kentucky

These programs often mirror KERA’s structure — offering past-due rent help, utility support, and legal aid — but have different eligibility rules or application processes.

Active Regional/Local Assistance Programs

• Louisville Metro RCS: Offers up to six months of rental help via LEAP.

• Lexington CAA: Assists with rent and utilities through federally funded programs.

• Eastern/Western/Northern KY: Community Action Councils (CACs) still offer rent help and case management.

➡️ Find your local Community Action Agency to check for active programs in your area.

Who Qualifies for Rental Assistance in Kentucky?

To be eligible for assistance, applicants must meet specific criteria. Here’s what most programs require:

Income Requirements (Typically ≤ 80% AMI)

Households must typically earn less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Priority is often given to those below 50% AMI or who have been unemployed for more than 90 days.

👉 Use HUD’s income limit calculator to check your county’s limits.

Proof of Financial Hardship

Applicants must demonstrate financial hardship due to circumstances such as:

• Job loss or reduced hours

• High medical bills

• Increased childcare costs

• Death of a household income earner

A brief hardship statement and supporting documents are usually required.

Lease and Utility Bill Documentation

Applicants should provide:

• A valid lease agreement

• Utility bills showing past-due balances

• Landlord contact information for verification

Other Criteria — Risk of Housing Instability or Eviction Notice

Proof that you’re at risk of eviction or housing loss — like a court summons, eviction notice, or utility shutoff — strengthens your eligibility.

How to Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance

Applying varies by location, but the general steps are similar statewide.

Application Steps for Statewide and Local Programs

1. Locate your local rental assistance provider

2. Complete the online or paper application

3. Submit required documentation

4. Participate in landlord/agency verification

5. Wait for approval and disbursement

Where to Apply: https://teamkyhherf.ky.gov (If Reopened)

As of now, this site is inactive. But you should bookmark it in case KERA reopens or provides updated guidance.

Required Documents

• Government-issued photo ID

• Lease agreement or rental receipts

• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)

• Utility bills

• Eviction notice or past-due statement (if applicable)

What to Expect: Timeline, Landlord Cooperation, Re-certification

• Timelines vary — most decisions are made within 2–4 weeks.

• Landlords must cooperate by completing their part of the application and agreeing not to evict.

• Re-certification may be needed if applying for future rent beyond three months.

What Assistance Is Available?

Rental assistance programs in Kentucky offer comprehensive support, not just rent.

Rent Arrears (Back Rent)

Most programs can pay 100% of past-due rent, dating back as far as March 2020. Payments are made directly to landlords.

Future Rent (Up to 3 Months in Some Programs)

Programs may also prepay up to three months of future rent, especially for households in ongoing hardship.

Utility Assistance (Electric, Water, Gas, Trash)

Help may include electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash bills. In some cases, broadband or internet access is also covered.

Other Housing Stability Support

• Legal Aid for eviction court cases

• Internet subsidies

• Case management and budgeting help

Local & City-Specific Rental Assistance in Kentucky

Each city or region may have its own funding and application process.

Louisville Metro Emergency Assistance Program (LEAP)

• Administered by the Office of Resilience and Community Services

• Offers up to 6 months of rent and utility support

• Apply via the Louisville Metro RCS website

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Assistance

• Rent and utility help through the Community Action Council of Lexington

• Programs funded by local ARPA and remaining ERA funds

• Visit Lexington CAC to apply

Regional Support via Community Action Councils

• Eastern KY: Big Sandy Area CAP

• Western KY: Pennyrile Allied CAP

• Northern KY: Brighton Center

Find your nearest center through capky.org.

Key Insights and Research

• 💡 Over $200 million in aid was distributed through KERA from 2021–2023.

• 🔍 Local programs continue to provide rent help even after KERA closed.

• ✅ Many renters qualify and don’t realize it — including gig workers and undocumented residents.

Expert Quotes

“KERA may have paused, but rental help hasn’t gone away. Local programs still have funds.”
— Winston Miller, Executive Director, Kentucky Housing Corporation

“If you’re behind on rent in Kentucky, don’t wait until you get an eviction notice. Apply now.”
— Linda Morris, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass

Citations and References

• Kentucky Housing Corporation (KERA)

• Louisville Metro RCS Rental Help

• Lexington Community Action Council

• U.S. Treasury ERA Program Overview

• Legal Aid of the Bluegrass

FAQs About Kentucky Emergency Rental Assistance

Is KERA accepting applications in 2025?

No, but many local and city programs are still open.

How long does it take to get approved?

Usually 2–4 weeks, depending on document submission and landlord cooperation.

Do landlords have to agree to participate?

Yes, payments are made directly to them, and they must agree not to evict.

Can I get help if I already received KERA funds?

Yes, many programs allow multiple rounds of help, especially if your hardship continues.

Are there programs for utility-only assistance?

Yes. Some agencies offer utility-specific grants, even if you don’t need rent help.

Case Studies and Examples

Louisville Family Avoids Eviction Through LEAP

The Johnson family, with three children, faced eviction after job loss. LEAP covered four months of rent and utilities, helping them stay housed and regain stability.

Single Renter in Lexington Gets Help After Job Loss

After losing his restaurant job, Marcus applied through Lexington CAA. He received three months of rent and full utility coverage, giving him time to secure new employment.

Landlord-Tenant Collaboration Leads to Payment Plan

In Northern Kentucky, a landlord and tenant worked with Brighton Center to develop a payment plan backed by rental aid, avoiding eviction and preserving the rental relationship.

Denise M

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Denise Madison, age 34, is an expert in housing policy and rental assistance. Denise earned her Master’s in Public Administration from McGill University, focusing her thesis on the effectiveness of rental assistance programs in major Canadian cities. After graduation, she worked with the Canadian government before transitioning to a consulting role in the United States, aiding in the enhancement of federal housing policies and programs. Denise is known for her practical workshops and seminars aimed at landlords and tenants, fostering better understanding and compliance with housing laws. When not at work, Denise cherishes time with her husband and their three young children, exploring the outdoors and teaching them about the importance of community involvement.