How Do I... Deploy My Emergency Rental Assistance?

A curated list of Questions & Answers to help cities deploy emergency rental assistance.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program Workshop

During a recent workshop event, our experts discussed best practices for efficiently delivering rental assistance to residents in accordance with the Treasury Department’s guidance. Participants learned innovative approaches to rental assistance from city leaders in Philadelphia, Newark, and Minneapolis.

Access the presentation slides.

 

Federal Funding Streams, Housing & Rental Assistance, CSLFRF, HUD

What is an effective method to calculate the federal share on an affordable housing project?

Fund Planning & Allocation, Housing & Rental Assistance, American Rescue Plan Act, CSLFRF

Can a reserve of operating funds for affordable housing be used past December 31, 2026?

Compliance & Reporting, Housing & Rental Assistance, CSLFRF

Is expenditure reporting guidance regarding housing expected to change given the new housing guidance?

Housing & Rental Assistance, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act

Can cities retroactively shift expenditures from ERA1 to ERA2? How can cities avoid recapture of ERA2 funds moving forward? If cities have been reallocated ERA funds initially allocated to states, may they request an expenditure extension?

Community Engagement & Local Partnerships, Housing & Rental Assistance, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA, HUD, Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act

If a city wants to act as a pass-through entity to grant funds to a non-profit to purchase and operate a campground/affordable housing, in which entity will the property vest? Must the property be disposed of in accordance with 2 CFR §§ 200.311, 313?

Housing & Rental Assistance, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA

Is there specific guidance that applies to utility assistance when municipalities cannot secure monthly payment sums from utility companies? For example, are municipalities able to consider payment of a lump-sum utility bill as one month of assistance?

Housing & Rental Assistance, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA, HUD

How can a city use federal funds to help residents with overdue utility payments?

Housing & Rental Assistance, Infrastructure & Maintenance Investments, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA

May a municipality use CRF funds for repairs to buildings used to address the public health impact of COVID-19, e.g., decompression shelters?

Housing & Rental Assistance, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA, HUD

What steps can a municipality take to increase participation and expedite spending of rental assistance funds?

Housing & Rental Assistance, American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, FEMA, HUD

How can municipalities determine income eligibility in order to best leverage federal funding for vulnerable populations?

 

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