This year has been incredibly difficult for all of us. With people throughout the South Sound having lost jobs and struggling to make ends meet, landlords and tenants alike have felt the effects of this stressful time.
Luckily, there are options available to help ease the financial burdens that so many of us face in this trying time.
With the COVID Rental Assistance Program in Pierce County, low-income households impacted by COVID-19 can apply for rental and utility assistance for up to twelve months.
This program was developed in 2020 by Pierce County in response to the immediate need to help the tenants and families struggling most financially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It’s an amazing resource for tenants who are monthly behind on rent or utilities. This initiative aims to help keep tenants and families in homes and prevent a rise in homelessness in Pierce County.
Pierce County has made an intentional effort to get the information about this program to all residents in several ways. This initiative has been advertised in different languages, through radio, postcard mailers, and other mediums to get the work out to the community.
What utilities are eligible?
The following utilities are eligible for assistance through this program:
- Water/sewer
- Gas
- Garbage
- Fuel/oil
- Internet
- Electricity
Can Rental Assistance be used for future payments?
To qualify, tenants must be currently overdue on rent. Assistance cannot and will not be granted to pay for future rent.
Do I need to pay back assistance?
Rental assistance through Pierce County isn’t a loan, so it doesn’t need to be paid back! You only need to pay back money if you receive duplicate funds.
Whether you’re a tenant struggling to make ends meet, or a landlord stressed about finances, Rental Assistance through Pierce County may be able to help. Both tenants and landlords can apply online for rental assistance.
Pierce County will communicate directly with both tenant and landlord about assistance. This way both parties receive the same information at the same time.
If approved, you’ll be notified via email or phone about your eligibility. You can also check the status of your application at www.piercecountywa.gov/housinghelp.
If you need assistance with filling out the application, you can call 2-1-1 for help, OR you can send questions to HSrent@pierececountywa.gov.
If you’re in need, we hope you take the time to look into this fantastic program.
