Tenancy assistance is an important part of the social contract between tenants and landlords. These programs help people with low incomes pay their rent and utilities.

Some research suggests that rental assistance reduces household moves by increasing the availability of affordable housing options (Lundberg et al., 2011).

One-Shot Deals

One-Shot Deals are flexible single-use grants that can help cover emergency expenses that directly or indirectly lead to homelessness. Applicants can use the money to pay rent arrears, restore electricity, move out of a shelter or recover from a fire. They must promise to pay their rent going forward to maintain housing stability after receiving a One-Shot Deal.

NYC's Human Resources Administration has distributed hundreds of thousands of these small grants over the past 11 years, helping prevent or forestall evictions in many cases. But the grant program is not well known, and the City is unable to meet demand.

The grants also make patient landlords whole in some cases, as in Price's, and they ensure tenants keep other subsidies such as Section 8. And they can prevent eviction by allowing a tenant to live with a friend or family member (known as “host families”) while maintaining their cash assistance case. People in need can apply for the grants by submitting a request at an HRA public assistance office or Job Center.

Charities

As the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans are still struggling to pay their rent. Non-profits across the country are offering rental assistance and eviction prevention programs to help people stay in their homes. You can support their efforts by donating to the charities listed below.

Before making a donation, check the charity's website and familiarize yourself with its mission and figures. Also, be sure to look for a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator and the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency.

Throughout Manhattan and the Bronx, highly-trained Catholic Charities staff are helping clients receive public funds to help with their rent. This program can cover up to 12 months of back rent and arrears, and help with future rent payments for eligible households. To learn more about the program and how to apply, click here. A representative will contact you to help. Affected households may apply regardless of immigration status. ERAP is funded with $2.4 billion from New York State.

Monthly Assistance

In addition to providing monetary assistance, some organizations also offer supportive services to help households avoid future rent crises and housing instability. They can also connect you with community or non-profit organizations that provide assistance. You can find a list of these organizations by calling your local 211 program.

Most tenancy assistance programs operate monthly and will help with your ongoing rent payments. These can be based on a formula that considers 30% of your household income, or a payment standard by bedroom size that compares to the rent plus tenant-paid utility cost of moderately priced units that meet HUD HQS in your jurisdiction.

Currently, New York City's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) can pay up to 12 months of rent arrears and up to 3 months of future monthly rent for some households. ERAP can also pay for up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears. CCCS can help you apply and track your application with a specially-trained representative.

Eviction Defense

Eviction defense services offer legal advice, representation in court, case management and advocacy with landlords for tenants with incomes below 80% of their area median income. They also help them obtain and access stabilizing resources including rental assistance, utility and moving costs.

These programs leverage state law to seal pandemic-era eviction filings and prevent the scarlet “E” of eviction from appearing on a tenant's housing court record, which often leads to downward displacement and long-term hardship. Their goal is to reach sustainable, informed and equitable settlements in court before trial or pre-warrant of removal.

If your landlord gives you a demand for possession that says you must do something or move out within seven days (for example, pay rent, fix damage or health hazard, remove personal belongings from the shared hallway), you have a one-time right to use this defense in court. Be ready to show in court that you followed the demand within this timeframe, but your landlord refused to accept it.