COVID-19 support for renters
If you are a renter struggling to pay your rent due to COVID-19, understand what is available to you.
30-Days' Notice to Vacate Requirement
While the Supreme Court invalidated the recent CDC eviction moratorium on August 26, 2021, the White House has noted that the CARES Act requires that renters living in multifamily properties backed by the federal government (e.g., HUD/FHA or USDA), purchased or securitized by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, or who are receiving assistance from the federal government may not be required to vacate their unit solely for non-payment of rent until 30 days after the landlord has provided the tenant with a notice to vacate. Check our lookup tool to determine if you reside are in a property with a loan purchased or securitized by Freddie Mac.
State and local governments have strict laws that govern when and how someone can be evicted. Many additional requirements were put in place in response to COVID-19. Some have also implemented their own eviction moratoriums to allow more time for renters to access emergency rental assistance funds. It is important to research how those requirements might affect you.
Forbearance for Multifamily Borrowers
Separately, Freddie Mac also established a forbearance plan for multifamily borrowers that includes additional protections for renters in properties with a forbearance agreement. To determine if you may be eligible for these protections, first check our lookup tool to determine whether you are in a property with a loan purchased by Freddie Mac. If so, please check with your property management office or landlord to determine whether the additional protections apply to your property.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress appropriated emergency aid directly to states to assist eligible renter households and landlords with unpaid rent and utilities. The U.S. Treasury Department's website has a list of more than 360 federal rental assistance programs. To find out more about the emergency rental assistance and where to apply, see Freddie Mac ‘s helpful list of tools and resources.
Click Here to Find Rental Assistance Using the CFPB Lookup Tool
An "eligible household" is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the following criteria: (i) qualifies for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; (ii) demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and (iii) has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median.
If you are unsure which program can provide you with the aid you need and are struggling to pay your rent, you can also contact the Freddie Mac Renter Helpline at 800-404-3097. HUD-certified housing counselors can provide you free assistance with:
- Budget and Credit Counseling
- Debt Management Programs
- Educational Resources & Tools
Aside from the provisions described above, some state and local governments have implemented eviction moratoriums or other protections that may apply to you.
