Ins and Outs of Louisiana’s Rental Assistance Programs

Millions of people in the United States struggle to pay their rent. It may be due to an illness, the loss of income in the household, or rising rent prices. Whatever the reason, housing insecurity is a big issue. However, Louisiana's rental assistance programs can help you get up-to-date on your rent payments and overcome those temporary financial setbacks. With the right rental assistance program, you can eliminate the stress of making your rent payment, avoid eviction from your rental, and secure a safe and healthy home for your family.

Get to know your options when you need help paying your rent in Louisiana. Learn who is eligible for rental assistance, how to apply, and how DoNotPay can make the entire process an easier one with our automated system.

How Do I Apply for Rent Relief in Louisiana?

There are three primary programs for rent relief in Louisiana. Residents should understand the eligibility for each program and determine which one is right for them before they apply.

Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

The Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has helped more than 13,000 tenants pay more than $68 million in rent. The program offers funding to cover past-due rental payments, future rental payments, and utility costs. To be eligible for the Louisiana ERAP, you must:

• Live in one of the 57 parishes covered by ERAP
• Have one person in your household eligible for unemployment or have recently lost household income or have lost income or gained debts due to the COVID pandemic
• Have a past-due notice on your rent or utility bills or have an eviction notice from a landlord
• Have a household income that's less than 80% of the area median income limit

You can apply for ERAP through the program's website.

Section 8 Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers

Louisiana has many rental properties that qualify as Section 8 housing. This is a program that allows landlords to rent their properties to low-income tenants at below-market values. In return, the government subsidizes their payments. To qualify for Section 8 housing, you'll need to:

• Be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen
• Have a household income that's less than 50 percent of your area median income

To apply, you'll need to contact your local Public Housing Authority. They can help you apply for Section 8 housing. If approved, you'll receive vouchers to help cover the cost of your rent.

HUD Subsidized Apartments

Section 8 vouchers are part of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but they aren't the only rental assistance program offered by HUD. HUD also subsidizes properties for tenants that don't meet the eligibility requirements for Section 8. To be eligible for HUD-subsidized properties, you'll need to make less than 80% of the area’s median income. You can contact HUD to learn more about subsidized properties in your area and how to apply.

How to Apply for Louisiana Rental Assistance Yourself

If you want to apply for one of Louisiana's rental assistance programs, you'll want to:

1. Visit the program's website and determine whether you are eligible. Each program has its own eligibility requirements, and you'll want to read them over carefully. If you are eligible, determine how you apply.
2. Fill out the application. Some programs, such as Louisiana's ERAP, allow you to apply online through the website. For other programs, you may need to apply in person. Be prepared with your basic information along with information about your financial situation. Tax returns, a listing of your current income and monthly payments, and why you are seeking financial assistance are always important.
3. Wait for their reply. It can take time to get a response, no matter which program you are applying to.

Apply for Rent Help in Louisiana with DoNotPay

If you don't want to apply for Louisiana rental assistance yourself, you can do it through DoNotPay. Our automated system makes it easy to submit information to the necessary authorities to let them know you need help paying your rent. DoNotPay will send a letter to your local housing authority on your behalf. They will then contact you with your available options for help making your rent payments.

How to Apply for Housing Assistance in Louisiana With DoNotPay

We can compose a letter to your local housing authority based on your situation and inquire about your best options for receiving assistance. Here are the 4 steps:

1. Search for Rental Assistance on DoNotPay.

2. Put together a list of your income, debts, expenses, and assets. If you need help accessing information like your credit report, DoNotPay can help you get your report.

3. Let DoNotPay collect your basic information and compose a letter to your local housing authority requesting rental assistance.

4. Lastly, DoNotPay will send your letter to your local housing authority.

What Else Can DoNotPay Do?

Contacting your local housing authority in Louisiana about rental assistance programs is just the beginning. DoNotPay can also help you:

1. Make a claim in small claims court
2. Reduce your property tax obligation
3. Discover and apply for scholarships

The DoNotPay system is affordable, automated, and easy to use. With a few clicks of the mouse, the world's first robotic lawyer can send professional letters on your behalf to help solve important issues. Whether you want to create a living trust or get a copy of a marriage certificate, DoNotPay is here to help. You are just a few clicks away from peace of mind. Get started today.