COVID-19 Rental Assistance
- Gather a few documents:
- Photo identification for each household member over 18 years of age
- Verification for each household member (Social security card preferred, or birth certificate)
- Income documentation for each household member 18+ years of age (Most recent 30 days proof of income, 2020 W2, 2020 tax return, record of unemployment, letter from employer, etc.)
- Copy of lease AND landlord's phone number and email address
- Apply using our online application system. Please ensure the information you provide is accurate and complete. Your electronic signature and a brief explanation will be needed to attest that you are experiencing a hardship related to COVID-19.
After your submission, we will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Failure to provide accurate and complete documentation may result in delays and the withdrawal of your application. Once submitted, if an application is incomplete, we will reach out to you. If we do not hear back within 10 days, your application will be withdrawn.
Residents of the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County who are having difficulty making rental payments due to the economic impact of the pandemic and who meet income eligibility requirements are eligible for assistance.
If you qualify for rental assistance, you may be required to attend more in-depth financial counseling, provided by CHN, as a condition for payment of the rental assistance.
Priority is given to applicants whose income is at or below 50% AMI, have an adult household member who has been unemployed 90+ days, and/or have a housing court/set-out date.
Please note, this assistance is only available as long as federal funding continues.
CHN is the entry point to access rental assistance. If you qualify, your landlord may receive up to 12 months rent. CHN will also link applicants with other assistance programs that may help make your electric, gas and water/sewer bills more affordable.
Please note, this assistance is only available as long as federal funding continues.
CHN has partnered with a team of referral agencies who can help guide you through the application process. Please reach out to one of our partners below for assistance.
- 211 / United Way of Greater Cleveland (211)
- Bellaire – Puritas Development Corporation (216-671-2710)
- Breaking Chains (216-464-0699)
- The Centers for Families and Children (216-432-7200)
- CMHA (216-271-2735)
- Community Housing Solutions (West-(216- 651-0077) (East- (216- 231-5815)
- Empowering & Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP) (216-361-0718)
- Fair Housing Center for Rights & Research (216-361-9240)
- Frontline Service (216-623-6555)
- Heights Community Congress (216-321-6775)
- Home Repair Resource Center (216-381-6100)
- Lakewood Community Services Center (216-226-6466)
- Be sure to let us know. Include your court papers in your application.
- You may qualify for free legal representation via the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland's Right to Counsel program. Visit FreeEvictionHelp.org to learn more and apply.
- Know your rights! Review Legal Aid's basic overview of Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law.
- Visit Cleveland Housing Court's website.
As a Landlord for nearly 40 years, we understand these are difficult times, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation. If your tenant applies for rental assistance, we will be in contact with you regarding the required documents. Please be sure to respond to our emails and/or phone calls. Failure to respond within 10 days of a document request will result in your tenant's application being withdrawn, and your tenant will need to reapply.
Additionally, if your city has a rental registry, we encourage you to sign up for it. If your property is in Cleveland, please register here: Cleveland Landlord Registry
Please email us immediately at [email protected] Thank you!
