The number of U.S. renters at risk of Eviction has skyrocketed. There are many Eviction Resources available for renters in crisis, you just have to know where to look.

The eviction process moves fast. So, you need to act fast and explore all your options so you can stay in your home. Competition for eviction resources is especially intense right now.

“We were already in the midst of an extreme affordable housing crisis that was already putting people precariously close to the edge," says Emily Benfer, a law professor at Wake Forest School of Law and chair of the American Bar Association's COVID-19 Task Force Committee on Eviction. The COVID-19 pandemic only made it worse. “It just pulled the foundation out from underneath people."

It will take time for renters to bounce back. Housing insecurity trends predict a period of uncertainty for renters. Financial issues can snowball and applying for eviction resources takes time and energy. So, take action now. Use as many resources as possible to increase your chance of success.

1. HUD

Start by applying for federal housing programs, if you're eligible. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) runs many affordable housing programs in the U.S.

Set up an appointment with a Public Housing Agency (PHA) by calling (800) 569-4287. Or search for a qualified agency online. Just enter your state to find a HUD-approved adviser near you.

Housing counselors can help you create a plan and register for programs if you qualify. If you're already receiving HUD assistance, they may also be able to reduce your rent payments through income recertification or a hardship exception.

The demand for services is high. Most qualified applicants wait months — or even years — before they receive help. So, apply for more eviction resources while you wait.

2. Emergency Rental Assistance

The U.S. government earmarked billions of dollars for Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA). This is a one-time, pandemic-era relief effort. Apply soon, before funding runs out.

This program funds state, county and city aid organizations. These organizations distribute the money into their own communities in many ways. Some pay for rent and utilities like electricity, gas, fuel oil, water, sewer or trash removal. Others help renters pay overdue bills or moving expenses after eviction. Other organizations provide housing counseling or legal representation.

Hundreds of tribal, state, county and city partners distribute these funds, so there's no centralized way to register. Renters must apply for each program individually. Search the database to find a program in your city, state or tribal area.

Experts recommend searching for eviction resources as close to home as possible. Start in your city — or even your ZIP code. Then, work your way out from there. Apply for as many programs as you're eligible for.

3. NLIHC

Start with the National Low Income Housing Coalition (or NLIHC). It maintains a list of emergency eviction resources across the country.

To discover programs near you, enter your state, U.S. territory, tribe or locality into the search tool. It provides a link to the program and describes the communities it serves. It also updates the program's status, so you won't spend time on programs that aren't accepting applications.

If the tool doesn't load or display results, try broadening your search. It can also help to clear your cache or use a different web browser.

4. CFPB

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers eviction resources in several different languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese and Tagalog. This advice is tailored to a variety of circumstances, so you can learn what to do if an eviction lawsuit has been filed, if eviction is pending or if you've already been evicted.

The CFPB also maintains a database of rent and utilities assistance programs. Enter your state, territory, tribe or tribal land into the dropdown menu. It will display all available city, state, county and tribal programs near you.

You can also request independent advice about renting and credit issues from a housing counselor or agency. This advice is often free or very affordable. Just enter your ZIP code to find resources in your neighborhood. All agencies are approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They can connect you with other eviction resources you're eligible to receive.

5. 211

Renters can find local rental assistance and eviction resources by using 211. There are two ways to access services.

The first is to call 211 from any telephone. When you share location, you'll get the most up-to-date information about programs in your area. These include eviction resources like emergency rent aid and utility bill payment programs. Nutrition programs and other services are also included. All calls are confidential.

You can also explore your options online at 211. The website is very locally focused. That's helpful if you get overwhelmed easily. Enter your address or ZIP code into the search tool to find health and human service agencies close to home.

6. The Apartment Guide Eviction Resource Guide

Our Eviction Resources Guide provides a short summary of each state's eviction laws. It also includes information about state financial assistance programs and lists when protections like eviction moratoria and utility protection expire.

You can search for services in your state using the interactive map. Or use it to connect with federal rental assistance and nutrition assistance programs across the county.

7. LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federally funded assistance with home energy bills, weather-proofing and minor energy-related repairs. It does not provide grants directly to individuals. Instead, it works with organizations across the country.

Check to see if you're eligible for this benefit by entering your household size and household income. Search for partner organizations by state or by tribe. Or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 or email [email protected].

8. Just Shelter

Just Shelter lists a broad range of eviction resources. Look for information about rental and tenant's rights. The site also links renters legal aid organizations that represent low-income tenants in eviction cases.

Look for services by state using the interactive map. Or review the national resources.

9. Legal Services Corporation

Hiring a lawyer means you have a better chance of staying in your home. But legal fees can be too expensive for many renters, especially those at risk of eviction due to poverty.

Legal Services Corporation provides a list of legal aid attorneys who can take your case for free or for a reduced cost. Search by address to find one near you.

10. Law Help

Law Help connects you with a network of 25 legal information portals. Find legal aid resources, pro bono attorneys, court-based programs and libraries across the country.

Renters can search by state on the interactive map or browse the list of partners across the U.S. Their sister site provides legal resources in Spanish.

11. Find Legal Help

The American Bar Association's Find Legal Help connects low-income renters at risk of eviction with federally funded, legal aid services across the country. It also lists pro bono attorneys who volunteer to help low-income renters for free.

Those attorneys also answer simple legal questions online. Renters can also research state-specific legal resources.

12. U.S. Armed Forces Legal Assistance

Active-duty service members can request U.S. Armed Forces Legal Assistance. Search for law offices by state or ZIP Code.

Applicants are required to enter their branch of service. It's open to Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy or Marine Corps service members in the continental United States.

13. Catholic Charities

The faith-based Catholic Charities network helps renters meet their basic needs. It provided food, affordable housing and other services to over 15 million people in 2020 alone. The services provided vary by location.

Select churches and service centers offer rental aid. Some programs provide emergency funds for people faced with imminent eviction. Others pay for security deposits, overdue bills and utilities.

Select churches and service centers offer rental assistance for tenants in need. Some programs provide emergency funds for people faced with imminent eviction. Others help pay for security deposits, overdue bills and utilities.

14. United Way

This organization links renters with federal eviction resources and nonprofit organizations. Many resources are already covered in other national databases.

The interactive immediate needs tool helps you determine the kind of help you need most. It also connects you with short-term and long-term resources and educational materials. Print or email yourself the checklist so you can see your action plan and stay on track.

15. Salvation Army

If you're having trouble paying the rent or keeping the power on, Salvation Army locations can help. The organization offers programs to meet basic needs and prevent homelessness. Services include emergency rental assistance, food aid and programs to pay utility bills.

The services provided vary from location to location. Enter your city, state or ZIP code to find local programs in your community.

16. Loans and grants

Many businesses and non-profit organizations offer grants and loans to at-risk renters. Some offers are legitimate, others are scams. The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) has a few tips to tell them apart.

Be suspicious of anyone who guarantees that they can stop an eviction no matter what. People that tell you to pay them instead of your landlord don't have your best interests at heart.

Read all paperwork thoroughly. Never sign blank or incomplete paperwork. Walk away from high-pressure sales tactics and anyone who doesn't allow you to read a contract or ask questions.

Don't respond to emails, texts or notifications on social media. They're almost always a scam. Contact your landlord or property manager and offer to set up a rent deferral or payment plan instead.

Use eviction resources when you need them

Even the threat of eviction is scary. But there are many eviction resources that can help you stay in your home for as long as possible.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal or finance advice as they may deem it necessary.

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