Applications open for new $200M rent assistance program

Updated at 3:27 p.m.

PROVIDENCE – Applications have opened for a $200 million rent assistance program launched in Rhode Island Thursday for tenants and landlords who have been hurt financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new program, known as RentReliefRI, is intended to help eligible state residents who are having trouble covering their rent or housing-based utilities.

“The program will provide assistance to thousands of Rhode Island renters who have been financially harmed by COVID,” Gov. Daniel J. McKee said in a statement. “In the coming months, this program will mean the difference between being able to stay in their homes or becoming homeless for many families. We know that having a safe place to call home is critical and this program will ensure that Rhode Islanders have the resources they need to remain stably housed.”

Program information and eligibility guidelines are available at www.RentReliefRI.com.

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The program, overseen by the R.I. Housing and Mortgage Finance Corp., is funded by the $25 billion federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 2022, R.I. Housing said.

(ADDS third paragraph with comment from governor.)