The Alaska House Finance Corporation is inviting Alaskans to apply for new rent relief from September 13-October 1, 2021, which would provide up to three months of rent relief to eligible applicants who meet the federal requirements. The goal is to keep Alaskans in their homes and to alleviate stress and fear of eviction.
Tenants and landlords affected by the pandemic are welcome to apply. Alaska Housing Rent Relief is open to all Alaska renters who may be experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 and everyone who is in need assistance is encouraged to apply; this includes residents who may not have experienced similar circumstances in the past and who are struggling to make ends meet.
There are specific eligibility requirements that must be met. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s online eligibility checker is the first step to verify qualifications and can be found at AlaskaHousingRelief.org. Also, encourage those around you to apply and share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors. Alaskans in need of rental assistance should sign up now at www.AlaskaHousingRelief.org to receive timely information about the Sept. 13, 2021, opening. Applicants will receive regular information about the program via email and text message.
Nearly one-third of all renters in Alaska applied for similar assistance that was offered in February and March. If cleared, eligible renters can get up to three months’ worth of rent and utility assistance. The funding will go directly to landlords and utility companies to ensure it’s being used for the intended purposes.
OVERALL ALASKA HOUSING RENT RELIEF STATISTICS (SEPT. 3, 2021):
- Alaska renters were among the first to be approved for assistance
- Total applications received during the inaugural open Rent Relief window represent 78,000 Alaskans
- Applicants represent one-third of Alaska renters
- 80 percent of renters are below the income limit
- Average household assistance totaled $5,544
To date, AHFC has distributed more than $117 million in federal funds to Alaska landlords and utility companies. More than 50,000 tenants, representing more than 19,000 Alaska households who have experienced hardship due to the pandemic, have been provided rent relief as of Sept. 3, 2021. Virtually everyone in Alaska who applied for relief and has provided the requested documentation for eligibility has had their past due rent and utilities paid. AHFC’s Rent Relief partners encompass a team of more than 130 dedicated workers from across the state working to ensure qualified, eligible applicants receive aid.
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