How to Establish and Improve Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

Emergency Rental Assistance programs must be improved as COVID-19 put millions of low-income households behind on their rent and landlords may be unable to meet their financial obligations. This brief highlights model emergency rental assistance programs and provides best practices. It recommends centering racial equity in the design and implementation of rent relief programs, targeting households with the greatest needs by creating priority groups, and partnering with community based and nonprofit organizations.