Utah Rental Assistance COVID-19

By Adam Willis | August 6, 2021

Utah Rental Assistance During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic created financial hardship for thousands of Utah residents. In response, both federal and state programs were launched to help renters and landlords manage housing-related expenses during this difficult time. One such initiative was Utah’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which provided aid to eligible households impacted by COVID-19.

A Federal and Statewide Initiative

The White House partnered with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to launch a national website designed to help both renters and landlords find rental assistance programs in their area. In Utah, the program was managed through rentrelief.utah.gov, offering financial aid to households struggling to pay rent and utilities due to COVID-19-related income loss.

Who Could Apply?

Both tenants and landlords could apply for rental assistance. Landlords were allowed to apply on behalf of their tenants, provided they had the tenant’s cooperation and necessary documentation.

Rental Assistance Eligibility in Utah

To qualify, applicants needed to meet the following criteria:

  • Combined household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI)

  • A household member qualified for unemployment or experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19

  • The household was facing housing instability (e.g., past-due rent notice, eviction threat, or unsafe living conditions)

  • The applicant resided in the home and was listed on the lease

What Expenses Were Covered?

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program could be used to cover:

  • Current rent plus up to three months of future rent

  • Past-due rent

  • Eligible fees (such as late fees)

  • Security deposits

  • Utilities, internet, and home energy costs

Prioritization was given to applicants who had been unemployed for 90 days or more or who earned 50% or less of the area median income.

Required Documents

To complete an application, tenants needed to provide:

  • Proof of identity

  • Proof of income

  • A copy of the lease agreement

  • Past-due rent or utility notices

  • Documentation of financial hardship (such as unemployment records)

Where to Apply

Eligible residents were encouraged to visit rentrelief.utah.gov to check program qualifications and submit an application. The site also provided full details on required documentation and support for both renters and landlords.

📢 Update as of March 2025

As of March 2025, the Utah Emergency Rental Assistance Program has officially ended and is no longer accepting new applications. However, other support services may still be available for residents facing housing instability.

Alternative Housing Resources in Utah:

  • Utah Community Action: Rental and utility assistance – Call 801-359-2444

  • Utah Housing Authorities: Contact your local office for ongoing rental aid and public housing support

  • HEAT Program: Home energy bill assistance – Call 866-205-4357

  • Utah Legal Services: Free legal help for low-income tenants – Call 801-328-8891

  • 211 Utah: Dial 211 or visit 211utah.org for statewide assistance programs

  • Utah Food Bank: Visit utahfoodbank.org for food and basic needs support

For the most up-to-date information, continue checking official state and community websites.

 

Posted in COVID-19