KENTUCKY — With the launch of a new application portal, renters and landlords across the state of Kentucky can apply for financial relief through the Healthy At Home Eviction Relief Fund starting Tuesday.

The new program is designed to keep tenants from being evicted while making sure landlords are compensated for past due rent.

Kentucky Housing Corporation started reviewing applications Sept. 21, and payments begin ispensed to landlords no sooner than Sept. 25. Applications must be filed online.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced the fund would be made up of $15 million in CARES Act money, which would help cover 90% of past due rent for eligible tenants and a possible added two months of rent. Plus, it can provide direct reimbursement to eligible landlords for rent due as far back as March 1.

Through an executive order last month, Beshear prohibited landlords from charging late fees, interest or other penalties on renters who can't pay due to the COVID-19 pandemic from March 6 through Dec. 31.

Here are the eligibility requirements for tenants:

  • Tenants in any Kentucky county outside of Jefferson County
  • At risk of eviction as evidenced by a past-due letter from the landlord, a pending court eviction, eviction notice, or similar document
  • Gross household income for the past 30 days cannot exceed 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Click Here to look up monthly income limits
  • Have a current written lease or sign a lease with their landlord. Click Here to download the document
  • Do not currently receive other rental assistance. The program cannot duplicate assistance from another source, including Section 8, USDA RD rental assistance, and public housing
  • Are requesting assistance for their primary residence
  • Those living with family and paying rent informally are not eligible
  • Those who own a trailer home and owe rent for a lot are eligible

Here are the requirements for landlords:

  • Must forgive 10% of rent due and forgive late fees, penalties, and interest related to non-payment of rent
  • Have a current written lease or sign a lease with their tenant. Click Here to download the document
  • Must agree to give 45 days’ notice for any future eviction, not to be initiated until at least 30 days after assistance concludes
  • Must agree to terms of arrearage settlement and submit all necessary paperwork

 For more information on the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund, click here.

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