COVID-19 Renters rights
Rental and utility assistance resources for renters
Everyone’s life has been affected in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic, and renters are near the top of that list. To help with housing and public health, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) enacted an eviction ban in September of 2020.
The United States Supreme Court has since struck down the CDC’s eviction moratorium on August 26, 2021. However, tenants who live in multifamily properties with government-backed mortgages through Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae may continue to receive modest protection from evictions and certain types of late fees.
Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to learn more.
Many states and counties have taken matters into their own hands by placing their own moratoriums on evictions, late fees, and shutting off utilities. The table below attempts to capture the most up-to-date information for renter protections state-by-state.
This information changes often, so please also click on the link for rent relief by your state, and/or contact the legal aid organization in your area.
Rent relief by state for all 50 states
| Alabama | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Emergency Rental Assistance Alabama AlabamaLegalHelp.org Alabama’s Corona Virus Relief Fund Visit All Together Alabama for more Covid assistance programs |
| Alaska | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Check out Alaska’s COVID-19 page for the latest information. Alaska’s Covid-19 Utility Information page Rent relief programs |
| Arizona | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Resources for Arizona residents Arizona’s utility assistance and rental assistance The ban on utility disconnects has ended. Some individual providers are holding off on disconnects and offering assistance to customers. Check with your provider. |
| Arkansas | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No. Other Tenant Protections/Notes Arkansas rental assistance |
| California | Hold on evictions: Depends Hold on utility shutoffs: Depends Local ban information by county or city Other Tenant Protections/Notes Renters earning less than 80% of the area median income who have completed an application for rent relief are protected through a pre-eviction diversion process through the courts. California’s rental assistance California COVID-19 Housing California Public Utilities Commission |
| Colorado | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Colorado’s utility information by county or city and here at the PUC’s web site Colorado’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) Covid-19 information and updates Colorado court’s Covid updates By order of the governor: Tenants who have applied for rental assistance must be given 30 days’ notice of nonpayment prior to filing for an eviction suit. (extended until at least December 31, 2021) |
| Connecticut | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Governor order for new steps that landlords must take before delivering an eviction notice as well as other protections. (Extended through February 15, 2022) Connecticut’s rent assistance and Covid-19 information page |
| Delaware | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Delaware State Housing Authority |
| District of Columbia | Hold on evictions: Depends Hold on utility shutoffs: Depends Other Tenant Protections/Notes Most evictions can now be filed, though a few tenant protections remain in place. See the DC Public Service Commission for Covid-19 updates D.C.’s rent and utility assistance Tenants’ rights information now that the public health emergency is over |
| Florida | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Florida’s Covid-19 housing information site Florida state website You can contact your local SHIP office for funding assistance. |
| Georgia | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Georgia’s rental assistance program and utility assistance Check the State of Georgia Public Service Commission’s website for a list of GA services that have suspended disconnections due to COVID. Courts also have discretion over which evictions can move forward. |
| Hawaii | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes COVID-19 rent relief status: Governor’s order Learn more about Hawaii’s response to the pandemic on the state’s website. Answers to FAQs and additional resources can be found here. Emergency rental assistance in Hawaii. |
| Idaho | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Idaho’s rental assistance and utility assistance Ada county landlords and tenants involved in eviction proceedings can negotiate an agreement through their online portal. |
| Illinois | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Illinois’ rental assistance and utility assistance More Covid-19 information at Illinois Housing Development Authority |
| Indiana | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes For assistance, see Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and their COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program. Indiana resource guide |
| Iowa | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Iowa’s rent and utility assistance Rent and utility assistance for residents of Polk County and the City of Des Moines |
| Kansas | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Kansas’ rent assistance and utility assistance Kansas Eviction Prevention Program, (KEPP). |
| Kentucky | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Kentucky’s utility assistance program Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund |
| Louisiana | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Louisiana’s COVID-19 rent assistance information and utility assistance program here. Covid information and updates here. |
| Maine | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Utilities may not shut off service, and Maine has created a rent relief program. |
| Maryland | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes For assistance, visit here. Eviction information from Maryland’s courts For more information visit Maryland Attorney General’s consumer alert. |
| Massachusetts | Hold on evictions: New regulations effective January 1, 2022 regarding some evictions Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Massachusetts’ rent assistance and utility assistance See here for info on the Boston Relief fund. More resources and info for Mass residents |
| Michigan | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Michigan’s rent assistance program and utility assistance Michigan Legal Help here. |
| Minnesota | Hold on evictions: As of 10/12/21, the eviction ban will apply only to renters who have pending COVID-19 rental assistance applications. All protections end June 1, 2022. Hold on utility shutoffs: Maybe – visit the utility protections site for more information Other Tenant Protections/Notes See Housing Support in the state of Minnesota for more information. |
| Mississippi | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Mississippi’s rent assistance and utility assistance programs For additional resources including Mississpi’s Coronavirus Hotline, visit here. |
| Missouri | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Missouri’s rent assistance program. |
| Montana | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes For rent relief assistance, see Montana Rental Assistance Program. Visit Montana Public Service Commission’s website for information on your utility status. |
| Nebraska | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Nebraska’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program For additional information and help contact Legal Aid of Nebraska. |
| Nevada | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Nevada’s rent assistance and utility assistance See Legal aid for southern Nevada for information about possible delays against eviction. For additional resources regarding how Nevada is handling the current pandemic with respect to housing, learn more. |
| New Hampshire | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes For rent relief support, see New Hampshire’s Housing Relief Program. For additional resources regarding how New Hampshire is handling the current pandemic with respect to housing, learn more. New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance Program |
| New Jersey | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes New Jersey’s rent assistance and utility assistance programs FAQ sheet regarding end of utility shutoff moratorium and grace period For additional resources regarding how New Jersey is handling the current pandemic with respect to housing, learn more. |
| New Mexico | Hold on evictions: Yes, for those who can prove unable to pay Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes New Mexico’s rent assistance and utility assistance programs Additional resources are here. Temporary moratorium on eviction. Provide evidence of current inability to pay rent at your court hearing regarding eviction petition. Eviction hearings by video or phone, unless otherwise requested. |
| New York | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoff: No New York’s rent assistance and utility assistance programs More information regarding utility assistance. For additional resources and FAQs about your status as a renter in New York, read here. |
| North Carolina | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes For rent assistance resources, visit the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, HOPE program, and for free legal support, visit here. |
| North Dakota | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Covid-19 resources for North Dakotans Financial assistance for phone or internet service. |
| Ohio | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Ohio Home Relief Grant Utility assistance programs |
| Oklahoma | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Corona Virus Relief Application Go here to find out more: Oklahoma’s COVID-19 resources and assistance website. |
| Oregon | Hold on evictions: Limited: Safe harbor eviction protection extended through September 30, 2022 Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Oregon eviction moratorium FAQ Utility assistance programs For other Multnomah County rent assistance, visit here. |
| Pennsylvania | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Pennsylvania’s rent assistance and utility assistance programs |
| Rhode Island | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes For general support rent relief information, read here. Rhode Island emergency rent relief |
| South Carolina | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes SC Stay Plus rent and utility assistance Other resources for South Carolina rent assistance |
| South Dakota | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes For South Dakota rental assistance visit here and here. Utility-related resources can be found at South Dakota PUC website. |
| Tennessee | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Tennessee Office of the Courts’ list of eviction resources. Tennessee’s utility assistance |
| Texas | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes See Texas Home Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program for support and here. Texas Rent and utility Relief Click here to learn about assistance from TXU Energy. |
| Utah | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Utah Rent Relief Utah utility assistance Additional resources here. |
| Vermont | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Vermont’s rent assistance Visit the Agency of Commerce and Community for useful information and resources in Vermont. Eviction information here. |
| Virginia | Hold on evictions: Depends Hold on utility shutoffs: Depends Other Tenant Protections/Notes Virginia’s rent assistance and utility assistance Stay Home Virginia Renters who have applied for or are working with the landlord to apply for rent relief, effective until June 30, 2022, Virginia’s Legal Aid provides FAQs on renting during Covid and eviction information here and Virginia’s Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP). |
| Washington | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes COVID-19 resources and information for renters can be found here. Washington’s utility assistance |
| West Virginia | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes West Virginia’s rent assistance program. |
| Wisconsin | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Wisconsin’s rent assistance Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program For additional resources on tenant FAQs and Covid in Wisconsin click here, learn more. Wisconsin’s utility assistance |
| Wyoming | Hold on evictions: No Hold on utility shutoffs: No Other Tenant Protections/Notes Wyoming’s rent assistance For additional state, county, and city orders due to COVID-19, read here. |
Your renters rights, in your state.
Explore what you need to know.
- Alabama Renters Rights
- Alaska Renters Rights
- Arizona Renters Rights
- Arkansas Renters Rights
- California Renters Rights
- Colorado Renters Rights
- Connecticut Renters Rights
- Delaware Renters Rights
- Florida Renters Rights
- Georgia Renters Rights
- Hawaii Renters Rights
- Idaho Renters Rights
- Illinois Renters Rights
- Indiana Renters Rights
- Iowa Renters Rights
- Kansas Renters Rights
- Kentucky Renters Rights
- Louisiana Renters Rights
- Maine Renters Rights
- Maryland Renters Rights
- Massachusetts Renters Rights
- Michigan Renters Rights
- Minnesota Renters Rights
- Mississippi Renters Rights
- Missouri Renters Rights
- Montana Renters Rights
- Nebraska Renters Rights
- Nevada Renters Rights
- New Hampshire Renters Rights
- New Jersey Renters Rights
- New Mexico Renters Rights
- New York Renters Rights
- North Carolina Renters Rights
- North Dakota Renters Rights
- Ohio Renters Rights
- Oklahoma Renters Rights
- Oregon Renters Rights
- Pennsylvania Renters Rights
- Rhode Island Renters Rights
- South Carolina Renters Rights
- South Dakota Renters Rights
- Tennessee Renters Rights
- Texas Renters Rights
- Utah Renters Rights
- Vermont Renters Rights
- Virginia Renters Rights
- Washington Renters Rights
- West Virginia Renters Rights
- Wisconsin Renters Rights
- Wyoming Renters Rights
- Washington, D.C. Renters Rights
Advertising disclosure
You probably already know that we’re not a law firm, but just to make sure we get this out of the way: We can’t provide any advice or opinions about possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms, or strategies. And by hanging out with us here at Roost, you agree to our Legal disclaimer.
You probably already know that we’re not a law firm, but just to make sure we get this out of the way: We can’t provide any advice or opinions about possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms, or strategies. And by hanging out with us here at Roost, you agree to our Legal disclaimer.
Last Updated: September 11th, 2023