Rental Assistance
Pierce County Human Services and the City of Tacoma have received funding for rental and utility assistance for tenants impacted by COVID-19 and behind on rent.
The purpose of the Rental Assistance program is to prevent eviction for Pierce County residents (including those living in the City of Tacoma) impacted by COVID-19 who are behind on rent. Applicants must qualify as low-income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI), but priority will be given to those under 50% AMI. Assistance with utilities, garbage and internet is also available for those behind on payments.
Landlords can register using the link below to submit their building information into the portal, making it easier for tenants to apply at a later date.
The application is NOT open for renters, but will be by March 8.
Landlords can click here to register beginning March 1.
To register, click 'log-in' in the upper right corner once you open the webpage. Then select the "Landlord Registration" icon.
Why should landlords pre-register?
Landlord pre-registration enables renters to fill out their applications more quickly and accurately.
There are documents and information you can start collecting now to prepare for submission. Additional information may need to be collected by the provider upon intake to determine eligibility, but before you start the application you should have:
- Household information, including birthdays, for all household members
- Income verification for all household members for each income source
- 2020 tax return for entire household OR household W-2's
- Unemployment statements
- Alimony, child support, disability, retirement or VA benefits
- Current or past pay stubs
- COVID impact documentation
- Proof of unemployment
- Loss of wages
- Loss of job
- Unexpected increase in costs of childcare, etc.
- Landlord name, email and phone number
- Copy of lease or rental agreement
- Statement from landlord with past due balance
- If you're requesting utility assistance, provide copies of past due utility bills
- Utilities paid directly to your landlord will need to be included in the rent past due amount and a payment wil be made to the landlord directly.
- How do I know if my income qualifies for assistance?
- I received assistance through another rental assistance program in 2021. Can I apply for this program also?
- Does this program serve people in Tacoma?
- How will I be contacted by the provider?
- I rent a room from family/friend. Am I eligible to apply?
The eviction moratorium has been extended through March 2021.
- You still must pay rent eventually.
- Under the eviction moratorium, landlords can't increase residential rents and are expected to offer tenants a repayment plan. Landlords also can't charge late fees under the moratorium.
- People can still be evicted for other reasons, such as property damage or criminal behavior.
- You cannot be evicted during the crisis unless you are causing a threat, or your landlord wants to sell or move into the property.
- The proclamation bans retaliation against tenants and creates a legal defense for tenant lawsuits.
Pierce County residents at risk of eviction due to non-payment of rent are eligible for free resolution services. Whether it’s creating a payment plan, leaving an eviction filing off your record or extending your due date to help you get on your feet, the Eviction Resolution Program has specialists to help find solutions that work for both the tenant and landlord. Easily apply online.
Additional Resources:
- Call 2-1-1 if you're experiencing homelessness.
- Coordinated Entry
- Tacoma-Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness