Program Overview

Lebanon County Housing Authority administers the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, providing relief to Lebanon County households unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible households may receive up to 15 months of assistance, plus an additional 3 months if funds are available, and Lebanon County Housing Authority determines the extra months are necessary to ensure housing stability.
An “eligible household” is a renter household in which one or more individuals meet the following criteria:

Qualifies for unemployment benefits, or
Experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to COVID-19, which must be verified in writing;
Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
Has a household income at or below the 80% area median.

An application for rental assistance may be submitted by either an eligible tenant household or by a landlord on behalf of that eligible tenant household. In general, funds will be paid directly to landlords and utility service providers. If a landlord does not wish to participate, funds may be paid directly to the eligible household.

In determining the income of a household, Lebanon County Housing Authority will consider:
The household’s total gross income (income before any deductions) for calendar year 2022, or
The household’s monthly gross income (30 days prior to the date of application) for such assistance.

Rental Assistance includes assistance to prevent homelessness by aiding households where housing stability is at risk due to COVID-19.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides eligible households with the full payment of up to 18 months of rental arrears (money owed) that has accumulated after March 13, 2020.
An eligible household can apply for prospective (future) rent payments for up to three months at a time.
A new application and eligibility determination will take place every 3 months for households receiving future rental assistance.

Utilities and home energy costs are separately stated charges related to the occupancy of rental property, including:
Electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash removal and energy costs, such as fuel oil.
Utilities that are covered by the landlord within rent will be treated as rent.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides eligible households with the full payment of up to 12 months of utility arrears (money that is owed and should have been paid earlier) that has accrued after March 13, 2020.