Emergency Rental Assistance: How to Get Help Now
The federal pandemic-era Emergency Rental Assistance programs (ERA1 and ERA2) have ended, but that doesn't mean help has disappeared. Many states, counties, cities, and local nonprofits still run their own rental assistance programs, and availability changes often, so the fastest way to find current help is a free call to 2-1-1 (211.org). If you're already facing an eviction case, lawhelp.org can connect you with free or low-cost legal help in your area. Your state or local housing agency and HUD (hud.gov) are also legitimate places to check, and none of these resources should ever charge you a fee.
Educational — information, not legal advice, and not attorney-reviewed. The exact rule depends on your state, city, and lease; the app shows the verified rule for where you live.
What this means
Needing rent help right now, especially with an eviction looming or already filed, is frightening, and it's reasonable to want an answer today rather than a list of ideas to research later. There is real, free help available — the key is knowing the fastest way to reach it.
The federal Emergency Rental Assistance programs created during the pandemic, known as ERA1 and ERA2, have officially ended and are no longer accepting new applications. That does not mean emergency help has disappeared everywhere — many states, counties, cities, and local nonprofits continue to run their own rental assistance programs, and which ones are currently funded and accepting applications changes often and varies a great deal by location. The fastest way to find out what's actually available near you right now is a free call to 2-1-1 (211.org).
If you already have a pending eviction case, don't wait to also look for legal help — lawhelp.org can connect you with free or low-cost legal aid in your area, and many areas have tenant hotlines or court-based help for people facing eviction. Your state or local housing agency and HUD (hud.gov) are also legitimate places to check for current programs.
None of these resources should ever ask you to pay to apply or to get information — treat any such request as a red flag. Gathering your lease, recent rent statements, and any notices you've received before you call can help these organizations assist you faster. Renter Shield can help you keep track of who you've contacted and what happens next.
What to do
- Call 2-1-1 (211.org) now to find current emergency rental assistance available in your area.
- If you have a pending eviction case, contact lawhelp.org right away for free or low-cost legal help.
- Check your state or local housing agency and HUD (hud.gov) for programs currently accepting applications.
- Gather your lease, recent rent records, and any notices you've received before you call.
- Treat any request to pay a fee for emergency assistance as a warning sign — legitimate help is free.
What to do next
If you're also looking for a longer-term, more affordable place to live, see our guide on how to find low-income housing.
Free help — always free
- Call 211 · in a crisis, call or text 988 (or 211.org) for local help and referrals.
- Find free legal aid at lawhelp.org.
- Read HUD tenant rights.
- Call 911 in an emergency.
Know exactly where you stand.
Renter Shield shows your state's verified rule, drafts calm letters, tracks deadlines, and keeps your evidence private on your device — free to start.