The Tennessee Housing Development Agency is working to implement rent relief passed in 2020. The application process opens Monday, March 1, 2021.

Those needing help will need a valid identification, a lease agreement, something showing how far behind they are on their bills, and proof of their current income to fill out the application.

The state was allotted almost $400 million which should be able to help about 30,000 families.

You’re eligible if you’ve been struggling to pay rent, utilities or other home energy costs because of lost wages caused by the pandemic. Your income must be less than 80 percent of the area median income. A household of four must make less than about $4,800 a month. A single person must make less than about $3,400 a month

Once a tenant has applied and if approved, the money will go straight to the landlords. They could receive the money as early as three weeks. Because it is relief money allocated by the federal government, recipients will not have to pay it back.

The online application portal opens Monday, March 1, 2021. You can also apply over the phone at (844) 500-1133.

To access the portal, click on the following link:

https://thda.org/help-for-renters-section-8/covidrentrelief