Rutherford County COVID-19 Rental Relief Program to reopen

Rutherford County is reopening its emergency rental assistance portal at noon Wednesday, Feb. 9 to accept applications for eligible households.

The program is funded through the U.S. Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It provides rent and utility assistance to prevent eviction and homelessness due to, directly or indirectly, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since April 2021, this program has provided $14.3 million in assistance to 2,169 Rutherford County households. An additional $12.2 million was recently received from the U.S. Treasury, enabling Rutherford to extend the program.

To qualify, you must be a Rutherford County resident impacted by COVID through a significant lifechanging event, such as job loss, reduced work hours or medical expenses. Your household monthly gross income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), depending on the number of members in your household. From February 9-23, priority will be given to new applicants who have not previously been served. After February 23, all applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are limited to one recertification.

Both landlords and tenants may apply and must provide supporting documentation. For further information on the supporting documentation, please see our FAQs found at rutherfordcountytn.gov/rental-relief-program or contact us at the call center number, 615-334-4777. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The following agencies in Rutherford County are also available to assist tenants and landlords by explaining the necessary program eligibility/requirements, assisting with the application process and providing access to computers and scanners:

• Barnabas Vision
• Community Helpers of Rutherford County
• Dominion Financial Management
• Doors of Hope
• Legal Aid Society
• Life of Victory International Christian Ministries
• The Hope Station
• The Journey Home
• The Salvation Army

Their contact information can be found at https://rutherfordcountytn.gov/Community_Partners.