Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Lake County Board of Commissioners has accepted an allocation of funds for Emergency Rental Assistance Program #2 as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The United States Department of Treasury is the administering executive agency for ERAP 2 and on February 10, 2022 the Commissioners entered into an agreement with Fair Housing Resource Center, Inc. and Lifeline, Inc. to get these funds to where they are needed most.

Program guidelines in place locally are based upon guidance issued by the United States Department of Treasury.  Eligible categories of assistance include: utilities, rental arrears, current rent, and future rent in three-month qualifying periods. Fair Housing Resource Center, Inc. is assisting Lifeline with the pre-screening and application process for Rent. If you only need utility assistance, please contact Lifeline, Inc. directly at (440)354-2148.

Below please find the eligibility criteria, required documentation for the program, and program guidelines. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Fair Housing Resource Center, Inc. at (440)392-0147.

If you are a Geauga County Resident seeking rent assistance, there are additional programs available at this time. Please click here for more information. 

An eligible household is defined as a renter household which meets the following criteria:

1. At least 1 adult in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship during or due, directly or indirectly, to the coronavirus pandemic;
2. Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; And
3.  Has a household income at or below 80% of the area median income; And
4. Must rent a residence and reside within Lake County.

FHRC and Lifeline make every effort to prioritize assistance to households with incomes less than 50% of area median income and households with one or more members who were unemployed for at least 90 days prior to when the household applied for ERAP assistance. Additionally, FHRC and Lifeline make every effort to prioritize households who have received a written 3-Day notice; and/or have received a formal eviction action from the local municipal court.

Please see the chart below for income limits:

To apply for this program, the tenant must provide the documentation below. This documentation must be gathered prior to submitting an online application for assistance.  This documentation includes, but is not limited to:

1. Lease agreement
2. Account statement/ balance (document from landlord showing what you currently owe on your rent at this time)
3. Documentation showing current hardship or bank statements

If the application is submitted by the landlord on behalf of the tenant:

1. The landlord must complete and submit a W-9 Form
2. The landlord must complete and submit a Landlord verification form which will be provided by a representative of Fair Housing Resource Center, Inc.

There are numerous ways to apply for assistance with your rent. FHRC and Lifeline, Inc. have taken steps to make this process as easy as possible. If you have any difficulties, please do not hesitate to reach out to Fair Housing Resource Center, Inc. at (440) 392-0147.

1. You can contact Fair Housing Resource Center, Inc. at (440)392-0147 and go through the intake process. A counselor will take your information and screen you for the program. If you meet the eligibility criteria listed above a counselor will walk you step by step through the application process.
2. You may stop in our office located at 1100 Mentor Ave., Painesville, Ohio 44077. Our office hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A counselor will take your information, screen using the eligibility criteria and walk you step by step through the application process.