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Get Help with Your Past-Due Rent Today!
Get financial relief with Leandro's Rental Assistance Program, designed to help St. Louis residents overcome COVID-related rent struggles and prevent evictions.
Overview
The City of St. Louis Emergency Rental Assistance Program, in partnership with FORWARD, is providing $3,311,183.00 to help residents struggling with past-due rent resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding comes from the CARES Act through the CDBG-CV Rental Assistance Program. The program aims to offer a one-time payment to cover past-due rent charges to prevent evictions for those experiencing financial hardship.
Eligibility Requirements
Other
- Landlord must agree to receive a digital 1099.
- Applicants must provide evidence of financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as unemployment or a reduction in income.
- Applicants must demonstrate a risk of housing instability, such as past-due rent notices or eviction threats.
- Applicants must complete an application and submit required, verifiable documentation of residency and rental arrears.
- Landlords must agree not to evict tenants for past rental arrears once payments are made by the program.
- Landlords must provide a completed W-9 form and verification of ownership.
- Landlords must agree to receive payment via ACH or manual check
- Landlords must agree to return funds due to an overpayment or a payment made for an ineligible tenant.
Income
- Household income must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to households at or below 50% AMI.
- Households receiving a monthly rental subsidy are eligible to apply, but only the tenant’s portion of rent not covered by other assistance programs can be paid.
- Households with zero income must certify that they do not receive unemployment benefits, financial assistance from other programs, or have assets.
Age
- Applicants must be 18 years or older or an emancipated adult aged 15 or older with documentation.
Residency
- Applicants must reside within the City of St. Louis.
Housing
- Rental assistance will only be provided for the applicant’s primary residence, limited to one unit per application.
- The tenant's residence must be at or below 150% of Fair Market Rent (FMR) as determined by the City of St. Louis.
- Applicants must demonstrate rental arrears and late fees owed, with late fees not exceeding 20% of the monthly base rent.
How to Apply
Benefits
Benefit amount: Varies per applicant (one-time)
Emergency Rental Assistance
Required Documents
- Government-issued identification (e.g., Driver's License, Passport, Military ID)
- Lease or rental agreement
- Rent ledger verifying the balance of rent and late fees owed
- Income verification (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs, unemployment compensation statement)
- Proof of financial hardship (e.g., unemployment statement, reduction in income documentation)
- Address verification (e.g., utility bill, voter registration card)
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for Leandro's Rental Assistance Program?
To be eligible, your household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, and you must demonstrate financial hardship due to COVID-19. Additionally, you must reside in the City of St. Louis and be 18 years or older or an emancipated adult.
What documents do I need to apply?
You will need to provide evidence of financial hardship, documents showing your rental arrears, and proof of residency in the City of St. Louis. Make sure to have any required verifiable documentation ready when you apply.
How do I apply for the assistance?
You need to complete an application and submit the required documentation demonstrating your eligibility. Ensure that your landlord also agrees to the program's terms.
What happens if I receive rental assistance?
If you receive assistance, your landlord must agree not to evict you for past rental arrears once the payment is made. This is to help prevent housing instability.
Is there a deadline to apply for this program?
The FAQ does not specify a deadline. Please contact us to confirm the current application timeline.
What if my landlord doesn't want to participate?
Your landlord must agree to several terms, including accepting payment via ACH or check and not evicting you for past arrears. If they are unwilling to participate, you may need to look for other options.
Contact
- Phone
- (855) 933-5556
- leandro.lessin@forwardplatform.com
- Website
- https://forward-saintlouis.livestories.com/login
- Office hours
- N/A