Rental assistance touted as eviction moratorium overturned

The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the moratorium on tenant evictions that was announced by CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky a few weeks ago. The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) has responded by urging Wyomingites who are in danger of facing eviction to seek assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

“We strongly encourage Wyoming landlords and renters to work together and apply for ERAP funding, which can pay unpaid rent and up to three months in advance rent at a time,” states a press release from DWS in response to the decision.

“Eligible renters can receive up to 15 months total of unpaid past due and advance rent. If all the documentation is complete, the typical ERAP application takes less than 30 days to be reviewed for eligibility, processed and payments to be issued.”

Though ERAP is administered by the Department of Family Services, the designated local agency through which Crook County residents should seek assistance with applying for ERAP aid is WYO HELP, a nonprofit previously known as Goshen HELP.

Funding can be used to cover past, current and future unpaid bills. Potential expenses that can be covered through the program include unpaid rent and utility payments up to three months at a time, unpaid past rent and utility incurred after March 13, 2020, even if it’s at a previous residence; and utilities including electricity, energy, water and sewer and internet service (up to $50 per month.)

To be eligible for ERAP, you must either rent your home in Wyoming or have unpaid rent on a previous residence in Wyoming; your household income must be equal to or less than 80% of the area median income; you must have qualified for unemployment benefits or be able to show financial loss due to COVID-19; and you must be at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

If you are a landlord whose renters are struggling to pay their rent, ERAP can directly pay you the unpaid amount if your renter meets the criteria. To apply, you will need to fill out the landlord application, which will ask you for information including the renter’s email address, a signed copy of the lease, photo ID and any eviction notice documentation.

For assistance with your application, contact WYO HELP at 307-532-0269.

DWS also advises anyone who may be facing eviction to contact Legal Aid of Wyoming, which may be able to provide other assistance to eligible ERAP renters. Visit lawyoming.org for further information.