COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

• In response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, state and local organizations are distributing federal rental assistance in their communities. The money can help landlords and renters who are struggling to keep up with rent and other bills. Many programs take applications from both landlords and renters. Use the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's tool to find the most up-to-date information on local rental assistance programs.
• Learn more about Michigan's COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Program, including eligibility requirements and documents that you will need to apply. This program is designed to assist those who are having trouble paying or receiving their rent due to COVID, it is administered state-wide.

Rental, Housing, and Utility Assistance Programs

• If you are homeless or are in danger of becoming homeless, please contact your county Housing Assessment Resource Agency (HARA). You can find the contact information for your local HARA by clicking here. Each HARA employs a Housing Resource Specialist that works on rapid re-housing and provides a comprehensive communitywide service and housing delivery program.
• If you are having difficulty paying your rent or utilities and do not qualify for CERA dial or text 2-1-1 on your phone or contact your closest Community Action Agency for assistance. Other resource sites include 2-1-1 Michigan and MI Bridges.

Local Tenant Rights, Laws and Protections

• Michigan Legal Help: Overview of the Michigan eviction process and provides contact information for your closest legal aid.
• VA Assistance to Help Avoid Eviction or (877) 424-3838

HUD-Assisted and Affordable Housing

• HUD Resource Locator - Search for affordable housing opportunities, public housing authorities, homeless services, and other resources near you.
• USDA Multi-Family Housing Rental Search (Upper and Lower Michigan are two different searches)
• Michigan State Housing Development Renters Resource Page and Housing Choice Voucher waiting list information
• Low Income Housing Tax Credit Property Database – Information on properties offering affordable housing (these are included in the HUD Resource Locator, but this site allows for searches based solely on LIHTC funding)
• Public Housing Authority contact information and select PHA websites – Contact your local PHA as well as MSHDA to find out what public housing or voucher programs are available in your area.
• Independent Living Centers – for seniors and people with disabilities

Need Advice?

• Contact a HUD-Certified housing counseling agency – Click the link or dial (800) 569-4287 for free or low-cost counseling services for buying, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages.
• Find a housing counselor through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

If you believe your rights may have been violated or are a victim of housing discrimination, please contact HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Because there may be time limits on when a complaint may be timely filed with HUD we encourage you to submit your allegation as soon as possible. You may file your complaint online, call us toll-free at (800) 669-9777 or (800) 877-8339, or by email at ComplaintsOffice05@hud.gov.