If you’re behind on your rent, because of a COVID-19 related lost of income, help may be available.
While federal and state moratoriums may have provided temporary protection from eviction, rent continues to accrue each month, leaving tenants unsure how they will pay arrears, and leaving landlords without monthly income to pay bills and manage maintenance and upkeep.
More than just postponing the inevitable, the Kansas Eviction Protection Program can pay up to $5,000 in past due rent per household. Application for the program requires the landlord’s support, because the landlord must agree not to evict the household for nonpayment of rent or to charge late fees for the months KEPP assistance is received. In return, the landlord gets the past due rent sent directly to them.
If you’re a landlord who is missing rent, reach out to your tenants who are behind on their rent to let them know this program is available. The maximum assistance is for 9 month’s rent, not to exceed $5,000.
The KEPP program is funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act. Program funds are limited and only available for a short time, and applications will be processed in the order received. Submit your application as soon as possible to increase your likelihood of receiving assistance.
Do You Qualify?
You qualify for the assistance if:
You have missed at least one rental payment since April 1, 2020.
You and all members of your household, if applicable, are Kansas resident(s) legally authorized to be in the United States.
You are seeking rental assistance for your primary residence.
You have not received rental assistance from other sources.
You can demonstrate that the COVID pandemic has had an adverse impact on your employment or income beginning Jan. 20, 2020 or later. Adverse effects may include layoff due to mandated shutdowns and/or business closure, job loss, reduction of hours, or inability to work due to COVID-related illness or lack of childcare.
Your household income is at or below 85% of the state median income, or $63,920 for a household of four.
If you qualify for TANF, SNAP, OR LIEAP ASSISTANCE, you automatically meet the program’s income requirements.
How to Apply?
As we mentioned earlier, this program requires the landlord and the tenant to work together. If you you’re a tenant, begin by telling your landlord about the program and as them to complete the KEPPLandlord Certification online.
If your landlord agrees to participate, give them your documentation that supports your loss of income due to COVID.
The landlord can upload your certification information or provide you with a link for you to complete the certification online.
If you’re approved, the landlord will receive the approved amount directly from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.
kshousingcorp.org/eviction-prevention-program