If you're a Georgia renter who has fallen behind on rent payments as of March 13, 2020, you may qualify for assistance. The Georgia Rental Assistance Program can provide up to 18 months of rental and utility assistance, paid directly to participating landlords and service providers on behalf of tenants. See if you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs will begin administering the State of Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA) in early March 2021. GRA can help renters with their past due rent and utilities. Payment will be made directly to landlords and utility providers. More information on program details and how to apply will be added to this page as soon as the online application portal is ready. Below are some of the federal guidelines for the program.
Who is eligible?
GRA can serve renter households who meet the following conditions: qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in household income or other financial hardship as of March 13, 2020, or incurred significant costs; AND demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; AND has a combined household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).Households with incomes that fall below 50% AMI will be prioritized. Households are also prioritized where one or more household members are unemployed and have been unemployed for 90 days.
What documents will a tenant need to show eligibility?
Renters will need the following general types of documents/items (e.g., copies, pictures, screenshots, etc.) along with their signed, fully completed application. The application and portal will specify the actual documents required.
Identification (State ID or a passport)
Income documents for every adult (age 18 and older) in the household and unearned income attributable to a minor
Past due rent notice or past due utility bills
Copy of the lease
Proof of unemployment qualification OR documents showing a reduction in income, significant costs, or financial hardship
If applying for utility assistance copies of your most recent utility bills showing the amount owed, the utility provider and account number
What documents will the landlord need to provide?
Completed GRA Landlord Application
Identification
Proof of ownership and Authorization/Agreement to act on behalf of owner if management company
Copy of the lease
Ledger showing tenant’s payment history in 2020 and 2021
W-9 and bank information for ACH payment
Who is not eligible?
Renter households that have incomes above 80% of Area Median Income. Renter households that cannot show they have experienced a financial hardship since March 13, 2020 or risk of homelessness or housing instability.
How much rent can you pay?
Payments, including arrearages and future payments, may not exceed a combined total of 18 months.
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