For Immediate Release:
November 8, 2021
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — Starting today, November 8, Pulaski County residents may apply for rent and utility relief through the Arkansas Rent Relief Program administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS).
DHS is accepting applications from Pulaski County residents because the Pulaski County Emergency Rental Assistance Program is no longer accepting new applications. Pulaski County residents who are seeking assistance must now submit their application for rent and utility relief through the state-wide Arkansas Rent Relief Program.
Eligible tenants and landlords can apply by visiting ar.gov/rentrelief and clicking “Apply Here.” Applicants will then be directed to the Arkansas Rent Relief Application Portal to create an account and submit an application. Before submitting an application, applicants should gather all documentation to ensure their application is complete and accurate. A list of required documents, FAQs, and user guides can also be found on ar.gov/rentrelief.
Tenants and landlords are encouraged to work together to submit complete, matching applications which will help speed up the process. If a tenant submits an application and a matching landlord application is not submitted after 10 days, the tenant application will be reviewed for eligibility and payment. If the landlord applies during the review process and prior to payment, the landlord will receive the payment directly. If the landlord has still not applied when the tenant’s application is approved, funds will be distributed directly to the tenant. Tenants are required by law to give rental assistance funds to their landlord upon receipt and keep proof of payment as it may be requested by the State or Federal regulators.
Applicants will receive a number of emails as their application moves through the review process, including when the program needs additional information from them to complete their case and the final award decision. Applicants can check the status of their application at any time by selecting “Track Status” on ar.gov/rentrelief.
The Arkansas Rent Relief Program has a network of community partners that can provide one-on-one help filling out the application, if needed. A complete list of these partners can also be found at ar.gov/rentrelief.
