Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP)

New Tenant-Initiated Rental Assistance Application Opens May 19th, 2021

Check out the video link below for an easy tutorial on how residents may apply!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1igJVBi_N

Completely separate from the Landlord Compensation Fund, beginning on Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 another option for Rental Assistance from the State of Oregon is available. The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) is funded with $204 million, and is designed for tenants to apply for the funds directly. Renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income, meeting additional program conditions (see below) can apply.

Check out this link for tenants to apply as of May 19th and receive more information:
https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/housing-assistance/Pages/emergency-rental-assistance.aspx

Oregon Housing and Community Services will distribute $204 million to qualified renters who have experienced financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability. The allotted $204 million can be used for past due rent and utilities.

How does it work?

• OERAP will directly pay landlords for back rent from March 13, 2020 until present, and three months of future rent for qualifying households.
• Applications for OERAP funds must be initiated by renters. Landlords cannot apply directly. However, Landlords are encouraged to share information with renters about OERAP. 
• After a renter applies for OERAP funds, their landlord will be contacted by email to review and confirm certain information in the application. Landlords will be asked to provide the following documents:
  • W-9
  • Direct deposit or ACH payment information and a copy of a canceled check

Who is eligible? 

The OERAP program can serve renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income who meet the following conditions:

• Individual(s) in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak; 
• Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability evidenced by a past due utility or rent notice.

Management companies with multiple properties should develop and distribute guidance on what address and contact information property managers should share with renters to use in the OERAP application process. More information about the program is available at www.oregonrentalassistance.org. 

This article is not intended as legal advice. Please obtain advice of an attorney for any policy change or decisions regarding Landlord-Tenant matters.