Michigan Renters, Landlords Can Now Apply For Federal Support

DETROIT, MI – Starting Monday, Michigan renters in need and landlords will be able to apply federal rent support as part of a COVID-19 relief bill.

Funds from the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program can be used for rental and utility assistance for eligible renter households so they can maintain their housing stability.

CERA funds can be used for households that have incomes less than 80 percent of area median income who meeting the following conditions:

• Individual(s) in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak.
• Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability evidenced by a past due utility or rent notice.

An online application will be available at the end of March or beginning of April.

Households that are available for CERA can receive utility assistance for tenant supplied electricity, home heating, water, sewer and trash:

• 1-2 person households: $1,500 one-time utility payment; $300 future utility payment as a credit
• 3-4 person households: $2,000 one-time utility payment; $500 future utility payment as a credit
• 5+ person household: $2,500 one-time utility payment; $500 future utility payment as a credit

Residents should teach out to the following housing providers for more information:

• Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (Out-Wayne): 734-284-6999; https://www.waynemetro.org/cares/
• Macomb Homeless Coalition: 586-213-5757; https://www.macombhc.com/
• Community Housing Network Housing Resource Center: 248-928-0111; https://communityhousingnetwork.org/services/housing-resource-center/

For more information, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mshda...