Emergency Rental Assistance – Eviction Prevention Program
Program Purpose
Grant funding has been awarded to qualified Agencies/Grantees across the State that administer eviction prevention programs.
The purpose of the program is to provide eviction prevention assistance to eligible tenants to help prevent evictions and keep households that rent stably housed. The program seeks to:
- Prevent evictions through strengthening housing stability through financial assistance, legal representation, case management, counseling, and accessing coordinated funding;
- Collect data to better gauge the scope of the current eviction crisis to inform in the creation of policy solutions; and,
- Build community education and awareness around the need of affordable housing and eviction prevention in our community.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Tenants - THDA oversees the Emergency Rental Assistance-Eviction Prevention Program (ERA-EPP), through qualified agencies. Applications are taken and processed directly at these locations. THDA does not accept applications. For questions about the application process, or to check the status of your application, contact your local ERA-EPP agency.
The Grantees will be responsible for making the program assistance immediately available to very low-income households who rent housing within Tennessee and are facing eviction, are at risk of homelessness, or require assistance to maintain or obtain housing.
Tenant Eligible Program Costs
The eligible costs for the program include, but are not limited to:
a. Rental assistance:
1. For delinquent rental arrearages. Participants may only receive up to 24 months of assistance.
2. For prospective rent. Participants may only receive two months of perspective months.
b. Late fees
c. Security deposits (first and last month’s rent)
d. Utility deposits for Water, Electric, or Gas services
e. Disconnection fees
f. Reconnection fees
g. Landlord-Tenant mediation costs
h. Tenant legal services related to eviction proceedings and maintaining housing stability
i. Court costs related to eviction proceedings and maintaining housing stability
j. Relocation costs
k. Rental application fees
l. Case management costs; and
m. Budgeting or financial counseling costs.
Who do I contact to apply for assistance?
THDA has awarded ERA-EPP Program funds to 34 nonprofits across the state that could help tenants with general program questions and could help them complete an application for assistance. Their contact information is available in the link below.
ERA-EPP Program Information:
- Emergency Rental Assistance – Eviction Prevention Program Description
- ERA-EPP Application Workshop
- ERA-EPP Grantee Workshop - ERA-EPP Program Updates --June 27, 2023
- ERA-EPP Grantee Workshop - Grantee Funding Dynamics --July 20, 2023
- ERA-EPP Non-Competitive Funding Matrix
- ERA-EPP Round 1 Competitive Funding Matrix
- ERA-EPP Round 2 Funding Recommendation Matrix
- ERA-EPP Pay Request Documentation Standards
ERA-EPP Program Forms (FOR GRANTEE USE):
- Participant File Checklist
- ERA-EPP Expense Detail Form
- Determination of Eligibility
- How to Submit a Draw
- Advance Payment Request Form
- Advance Payment Support Form
- Draw-Request Form- Reimbursement
- Authorized Signature Form
Need more information?
Please contact THDA's Community Services division ERA-EPP@thda.org.