Rental Assistance

RA providers webpage header
Program Information


Pierce County Human Services and the City of Tacoma have received funding for rental and utility assistance for tenants impacted by COVID-19 and are behind on rent.


We anticipate a large number of applications and appreciate your patience.


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. Below is a snapshot of income limits per household: 


blue 80 AMI chart


Renters who don't qualify for rental or utility assistance will be referred to the Housing Justice Project for free eviction resolution services. Additional services and resources are available here. Please read the FAQs below before applying. This project is being supported in part by federal award number ERA0377, awarded to Pierce County by the U.S. Dept. of Treasury.

Renters and landlords have two options to register:

1. Click here to apply online.
2. No internet? Call 2-1-1 to apply over the phone.

Opportunities to apply in person will be available later this Spring. Check back on this website for the most recent updates.
Flexible Options
Renters living in the following situations may be eligible for assistance:
  • Staying in a hotel/motel
  • Renting from a family member or friend
  • Renting a room in a home
  • Using a housing choice/Section 8 voucher
  • Renting a home or apartment
After You Apply
Landlords and tenants can participate in regular updates where the rental assistance team addresses FAQs and more.


Log into the online application any time to check the status of your eligibility. You will need your username and password to log in or make edits to your application.

Items You'll Need to Apply
  • Household information, including birthdays, for all household members
  • Income verification for all household members for each source of income
    • 2020 tax return or household W-2
    • Unemployment statements
    • Alimony, child support, disability, retirement or VA benefits
    • Current or past pay stubs
  • COVID impact documentation
    • Proof of employment
    • Loss of job or wages
  • Landlord name, email and phone number
  • Copy of lease or rental agreement
  • Landlord statement with past due balance
  • Past utility bills (if you're apply for utility assistance)
Utility and Bill Pay
Renters past due on payments can apply for financial support for the following bills:
  • Electric
  • Water/Sewer
  • Gas
  • Garbage pickup
  • Fuel Oil
  • Internet
  1. When can I apply for rental assistance/utility assistance?
  2. I received rental assistance in 2020. Am I eligible for assistance in 2021? Will I have to reapply?
  3. What is the application process?
  4. When/how will I be notified when I am approved?
  5. Who do I contact if I need assistance with the application?
  6. How do I know if my income qualifies for assistance?
  7. I received assistance through another rental assistance program in 2021. Can I apply for this program also?
  1. Does this program serve people in Tacoma?
  2. How will I be contacted by the provider?
  3. I rent a room from family/friend. Am I eligible to apply?
  4. Now that I've applied for rental assistance, is this a guarantee that my application will be accepted?
  5. I live in a hotel/motel. Am I eligible to apply?
  6. My contact information has changed since I submitted my application, what do I do?
  7. I am currently homeless. Am I eligible to apply?
View All
About the Eviction Moratorium


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.
 


picture of neighborhood
Additional Resources


Contact


    Rental Assistance Team

    Email