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Minnesota Housing eNews
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November 23, 2021
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from RentHelpMN
Thank you for signing up to receive updates about RentHelpMN. There is a lot of progress to share as well as new information. We address frequently asked questions on many topics listed below. We will continue to provide regular updates on program changes and tips for applicants.
System maintenance and holiday hours:
RentHelpMN will undergo scheduled system maintenance while the 211 and processing teams are closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. The system will be unavailable beginning Thursday night. The system will be back online and 211 and processing teams will return on Monday morning, November 29.
What’s new in the RentHelpMN program:
Still accepting applications: RentHelpMN is still open for applications from renters who owe past-due rent. Renters can request assistance with rent and utility expenses. There is no deadline to apply and funds are still available.
Payment progress: RentHelpMN delivered over $100 million in rental assistance to Minnesota renters and property managers in the month of October. Total assistance paid to date is $255.5 million, in more than 54,000 payments. You can learn more about application rates and demographics in the RentHelpMN Applications Dashboard.
Additional rental assistance funding: RentHelpMN will receive $20 million in additional funds to support Minnesota renters and property owners in maintaining rental tenancies and avoiding eviction for households who have reached 18-month limits on Federal rental assistance after March 13, 2020. The funding is part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) recommendations made by Governor Walz and announced on November 16.
Proposals Accepted: Field Partners work with RentHelpMN to help more communities learn about the program and assist renters with applying and navigating the emergency rental assistance process. Minnesota Housing is now accepting proposals from organizations that wish to join the Field Partner team.
If you are a renter:
Eviction protections: Applying for emergency rental assistance like RentHelpMN can protect you from being evicted for non-payment of rent. If you receive an eviction notice, however, you are still required to respond and to show up in court. Learn more about the eviction process and how to protect yourself at HOMElinemn.org
Resources for utility help: A recent decision by the Public Utilities Commission means that a pending application for utility assistance with RentHelpMN now provides protection against disconnections. The Energy Assistance Program at the Minnesota Department of Commerce also includes this protection and can also assist with future utility expenses. We encourage Minnesota renters to look at both options.
If you already have a pending utility request with RentHelpMN and would like to change to the Energy Assistance Program, you should first apply with EAP, and then call 211 to cancel your utility request with RentHelpMN.
Renters are also eligible for protection by the Cold Weather Rule, which prevents utilities for heating from being disconnected between October 1 and April 30. Call your utility provider to sign up, or visit the Public Utilities Commission to learn more.
Best times for calling 211: United Way 211, our customer service partner, has been experiencing higher than usual call volumes, resulting in longer hold times. Fortunately, the reason calls are taking longer to complete is because the 211 specialists have more resources to assist RentHelpMN customers in resolving applications. Mondays tend to be the busiest days. For the shortest wait times, we encourage calling first thing, at 8:00 AM, or on Saturdays.
Tip for property managers:
If you are a property manager or owner, you can help your renters apply for assistance by starting an application in RentHelpMN.
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Add your property/properties.
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Click on the “Apps” tab after you have added properties.
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Click the “Create Application.” You can enter the past-due rent and other expenses and contact information for your renter. They will need to finish the application for it to proceed.
For more information:
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