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Minnesota Housing eNews
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January 7, 2021
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News from RentHelpMN
Thank you for signing up to receive updates about RentHelpMN. This includes a program change related to payments for forward rent.
Program update: assistance for future months
Effective January 10, 2022, applicants and re-applicants may request and receive assistance for one future month of rent in addition to any past-due rent owed. The future month is counted from the date the application is submitted. This change does not apply to applications received before January 10.
Until now, RentHelpMN has been providing up to three months of future rent expenses for qualified applicants. Paying future rent is a measure to stabilize housing and prevent evictions, and also to reduce the number of times that a household needs to submit an application for assistance.
The program guidance states that assistance for future months is dependent on availability of funds.
In light of high levels of demand for rental assistance, RentHelpMN is now adjusting how this policy is applied. Limiting future rent assistance to one month will increase the number of households that can be served by rental assistance and extend the availability of funds.
Other updates:
Payment progress:
As of January 1, RentHelpMN has distributed $316.7 million for past due rent and utility expenses to Minnesota renters and property managers. You can learn more at the RentHelpMN Applications Dashboard.
COVID-19 may affect staffing levels:
As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 circulates through the community, our team members have been among those experiencing illness. There have been no significant delays reported at this time, but please be aware that you could experience longer wait times if staffing levels are further impacted.
Holiday hours:
The RentHelpMN call center staffed by 211 will be closed on Monday, January 17 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Normal RentHelpMN call center hours are Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
If you are a renter:
Responding to eviction notices:
If you receive an eviction notice, you are still required to respond and to show up in court, even if you have applied for emergency rental assistance through RentHelpMN or another program. If you don’t participate, you can be evicted. Minnesota Housing staff are present in hearings to provide information about RentHelpMN applications and referrals to resources. Learn more about the eviction process and how to protect yourself at HOMElinemn.org
Assistance with utility payments:
The Energy Assistance Program at the Minnesota Department of Commerce helps renters and homeowners with past due and future heating expenses.
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.
Tip for property managers:
Assistance for rent after a tenant has moved:
RentHelpMN began accepting applications under the Vacated Unit policy on October 15. Per Treasury rules, these requests must be initiated by the renter and used to remove barriers they face in seeking new housing. Download the FAQ to learn more.
For more information:
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