Officials provide update on rental assistance in Minnesota

Minnesota Housing provided an update on rental assistance Thursday as the eviction moratorium continues to phase out.

Commissioner of Minnesota Housing Jennifer Ho said the state has paid nearly $47 million dollars in rent help to date, which equates to 10% of its total funds.

According to Ho, this puts Minnesota at pace and maybe even slightly ahead of national trends in rental assistance. But, Ho said she and her team are continue to work to reduce processing time and increase payment speed to renters, who are feeling the pressure of getting caught up.

"We all feel the urgency and the stress that people are feeling when they are behind on their bills—whether they are the renter or the property owner. That is real stress and it has endured over time,” Ho said.

Some important upcoming dates for renters to consider are:

• September 12th: When renters could be evicted if they have not paid their rent and do not qualify for COVID-19 rental assistance.
• October 12th: When all lease termination and eviction protections are lifted for eligible renters with pending COVID-19 rental assistance applications.
• June 1st, 2022: When all lease termination and eviction protections are lifted.

Those who are behind on rent and would like to apply for assistance can do so at renthelpmn.org.