The Chicago Department of Housing opened the third round of rental assistance for tenants and landlords since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) includes nearly $80 million funded through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act signed into law by Congress in December 2020 and will offer up to 15 months of rental assistance and utility payment assistance for impacted renters.  Applications are open now through 11:59 PM June 8, 2021, at chicago.gov/renthelp. In addition, a call center will provide support in multiple languages to help renters and landlords complete their applications. The call center number is 312-698-0202 and will be open from 9a.m., to 7p.m., Monday through Friday and 10a.m., through 6p.m., on Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and on Memorial Day.  To be eligible for ERAP, tenants must:  

• Live in Chicago 

• Have suffered a hardship due to COVID-19, such as job loss, reduced hours, or illness within the household 

• Be at risk of housing instability 

• Have earned less than the maximum household income during 2020 or at the time of application (income limits can be found at Chicago.gov/renthelp) 

Landlords can apply for assistance on behalf of a tenant. Landlords may also register their properties using the online application and be notified if a tenant has started the application process for rental assistance. Household income limits apply, and proof of address, income self-certification, and other documentation are needed to qualify. Proof of citizenship is not a requirement for qualification. Funds will be distributed on a rolling basis.  For more information about the Department of Housing’s programs and services, visit Chicago.gov/housing.