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Iowa offers various programs and resources to assist individuals and families struggling with rental costs and housing instability. These initiatives provide different forms of support, each with specific eligibility requirements and application processes. Key programs include the Iowa Rent Reimbursement program, FEMA Rental Assistance, the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Rent Subsidy Program, and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program. Federal programs like HUD Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) also play a crucial role. Additionally, organizations such as Iowa Legal Aid offer support for understanding tenant rights and navigating housing-related legal issues.
Here's a quick look at some of the key rental assistance programs available in Iowa:
| Program Name | Administering Agency | Target Beneficiaries | Type of Assistance | Key Eligibility Criteria (at a glance) | Link to More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa Rent Reimbursement Program | Iowa Department of Health and Human Services | Low-income Iowans aged 65+ or low-income disabled adults (18-64) | Partial reimbursement of rent (up to $1,000 potentially) | Age 65+ or disabled (18-64), income below specified limits, current Iowa resident, rented property in Iowa that pays property tax | https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/programs-and-services/rent-reimbursement |
| FEMA Rental Assistance | Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) | Homeowners and renters in declared disaster areas in Iowa unable to live in their homes | Temporary rental assistance, security deposits, essential utilities, short-term hotel stays | Resident of a declared county, inability to live in primary residence due to disaster, unmet housing needs after insurance, registration with FEMA | https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-rental-assistance-available-iowa |
| Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Rent Subsidy Program | Iowa Finance Authority | Approved participants of Money Follows the Person or HCBS waiver programs (18+) | Monthly rent assistance payment | 18+, HCBS waiver participant, paying >30% income on rent, ineligible for HUD assistance, living in a qualified rental unit | https://opportunityiowa.gov/housing/rental-programs/programs-renters/home-community-based-services-rent-subsidy-program |
| Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) | U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) | Individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Iowa | Funding for street outreach, shelter, homeless prevention, and rapid rehousing | Individuals cannot apply directly; accessed through local government and nonprofit agencies via the Coordinated Entry system | https://opportunityiowa.gov/housing/homeless-or-risk-homelessness/emergency-solutions-grant |
| HUD Public Housing | Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in Iowa | Low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Iowa | Affordable rental housing in properties owned and managed by PHAs | Low-income based on HUD limits, qualification as elderly, disabled, or family, U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status; specific criteria vary by PHA | https://www.hud.gov/states/iowa |
| HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) | Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in Iowa | Low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Iowa | Rental assistance vouchers for use in the private rental market | Low-income based on HUD limits, U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status, valid Social Security number; specific criteria vary by PHA; waiting lists common | https://www.hud.gov/states/iowa |
The Iowa Rent Reimbursement program, managed by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, offers a partial rent refund to eligible individuals. This program is designed to support low-income Iowans who are either 65 years or older or are low-income adults with disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Iowa Rent Reimbursement program, applicants must meet specific criteria:
Application Process
The application process for rent reimbursement is online, opening on January 2, 2025, for the 2023 and 2024 claim years.
Steps to apply:
Processing can take up to 90 days, and payment may take an additional 30 days after approval. Applicants must notify the Rent Reimbursement Unit at 515-420-6077 if they move after applying. The HHS will send any requests for further information to the address on file. Applicants can check their electronic claim status online.
Reimbursement Details and Assistance
The Iowa Rent Reimbursement program offers a partial reimbursement, potentially up to $1,000 of the gross rent paid annually for non-tax-exempt properties. For questions, contact the Iowa HHS Rent Reimbursement Unit at 515-420-6077.
Assistance with the application is available through:
FEMA provides rental assistance in Iowa following a Governor-issued disaster proclamation and a federal major disaster declaration with individual assistance. This assistance is temporary and activated after events like floods and severe storms.
Eligibility for FEMA Assistance
Eligibility for FEMA rental assistance depends on several factors:
Coverage and Duration of FEMA Assistance
FEMA rental assistance can cover:
It does not cover cable or internet costs.
The initial grant covers two months. Extensions up to 18 months from the disaster declaration date may be possible based on continued need and progress toward a permanent housing plan. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance eligibility is re-evaluated monthly.
Applying for FEMA Assistance
Individuals in eligible counties can apply through:
Those with insurance must file claims promptly and provide documentation of settlements or denials to FEMA. Required information includes Social Security number, insurance details, property damage information, financial situation, and contact information. Direct deposit information can also be provided. FEMA may require verification of identity and occupancy/ownership. For Direct Temporary Housing Assistance, FEMA will contact potentially eligible households for a pre-placement interview.
The Iowa Finance Authority administers the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Rent Subsidy Program, offering monthly rent assistance. This program supports individuals receiving services under a federal Medicaid waiver to live in the community until they qualify for other rental assistance.
Eligibility for HCBS Rent Subsidy
To be eligible, applicants must:
Ineligibility conditions include already receiving other rental assistance or declining a HUD Housing Choice Voucher. A home owned by the resident does not qualify.
Qualified Rental Units
A qualified rental unit includes:
Amount of Rent Subsidy
The maximum monthly subsidy equals the rent paid, but cannot exceed 100% of the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the county, minus 30% of the applicant's gross income. The FMR used is for a one-bedroom unit or a proportionate share in larger units. The average subsidy is around $224 per month.
Calculation steps:
Application Process and Contact Information
Applications are accepted ongoing, and there is a waiting list. Applications are processed in order of receipt.
Required documents:
Send completed applications with original signatures via email to HCBSifa@IowaFinance.com or by mail to the Iowa Finance Authority in Des Moines. Eligibility is re-evaluated at least annually or with significant changes in circumstances (residence change or income change of $100 or more). Monthly payments are processed 3-5 days before the end of the month for the next month's rent.
For questions, contact the HCBS Rent Subsidy Program team at HCBSifa@iowafinance.com or 515.452.0442.
The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) is a federal program from HUD designed to help individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis. The program aims to significantly impact homelessness in Iowa.
Eligibility and How to Access Help
Eligible applicants for ESG funding are local governments (excluding public housing authorities) and nonprofit service agencies. Individuals cannot apply directly to the Iowa Finance Authority for ESG assistance.
The ESG program supports activities such as:
Individuals in Iowa experiencing or at risk of homelessness can access help through the Coordinated Entry system.
Key resources include:
HUD provides substantial rental assistance and housing resources in Iowa through programs like Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) .
Public Housing
Public Housing offers affordable rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. HUD provides federal aid to local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in Iowa, which manage these properties and set affordable rents.
Eligibility for Public Housing
Eligibility is limited to low-income families and individuals. PHAs determine eligibility based on:
HUD sets income limits that vary by location, with lower limits at 80% and very low-income limits at 50% of the median income. PHAs may deny admission based on habits that could negatively affect other tenants or the property. Local preferences may prioritize certain groups like elderly or disabled residents, families with children, or veterans. For example, Cedar Falls and Sioux City have specific income limits and local preferences. SIRHA also offers public housing in southwest Iowa based on income.
Application Process for Public Housing
To apply, contact the local Public Housing Authority in Iowa .
The application typically involves:
Required documentation may include birth certificates, tax returns, and pay stubs. If eligible, the applicant's name is placed on a waiting list. Written notification is sent when their name reaches the top. Some PHAs conduct criminal background checks. Contacting the local PHA is essential to understand specific requirements.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford safe housing in the private market. Participants receive vouchers to rent private housing, with HUD subsidizing a portion of the rent through local PHAs.
Eligibility for Housing Choice Vouchers
Eligibility is primarily based on annual income and family size, with priority often given to extremely low-income or very low-income families. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible non-citizen status, and the head of household usually needs a valid Social Security number. Certain criminal convictions may lead to ineligibility. Income limits set by HUD vary by location. For example, Sioux City, Cedar Falls, and Council Bluffs have specific income limits. SIRHA serves 13 counties in southwest Iowa. Local PHAs may have additional preferences.
Application Process for Housing Choice Vouchers
To apply, contact the local Public Housing Agency. Waiting lists are common due to high demand, so applying to multiple PHAs may be necessary.
Required documentation typically includes:
Once selected and eligibility is verified, applicants attend a voucher orientation. A voucher is then issued, and the participant finds suitable housing in the private market. A Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet is completed, requiring landlord participation. The PHA inspects the unit to ensure it meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and determines if the rent is reasonable . Some PHAs, like Dubuque, have specific waiting list opening periods and use a lottery system. Currently, SIRHA is not issuing new vouchers due to funding shortages and has a waiting list with preferences. Marshall County has specific documentation requirements.
Besides the main state and federal programs, other rental assistance options exist at regional and local levels in Iowa.
Southern Iowa Regional Housing Authority (SIRHA)
SIRHA manages various rental assistance programs across 13 counties in southwest Iowa.
Programs include:
To apply, complete a SIRHA application online or request one by phone or email. SIRHA has a waiting list with preferences for residency and/or veterans.
County General Assistance
County-level General Assistance programs may offer rental assistance funds to residents. Availability and eligibility vary by county. Contact the specific county's General Assistance office for information. For instance, Mills County General Relief requires 12 months of residency, application for other assistance programs first, renting the residence, and limited assets.
Renters in Iowa have various rights and access to resources to understand and exercise them .
Key tenant rights include:
Tenant responsibilities include: paying rent on time and maintaining the property's cleanliness and safety. The Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act outlines tenant remedies if landlords fail to meet obligations. Written communication with landlords and keeping records is advisable.
Resources for tenants:
Examining rent relief programs in other states can provide valuable lessons for Iowa.
Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA)
Colorado's CERA program offers financial aid to residents behind on rent and at risk of eviction. Eligibility includes Colorado residency, a valid lease, income at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI), and facing eviction or displacement due to reasons like non-payment or a court summons. The application uses a random selection process, prioritizing those with eviction court summonses. It provides a maximum of seven months of rent or $10,000 in assistance. Recent changes removed the 18-month cap and allow previous federal ERAP recipients to apply under certain conditions.
Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA)
The federal ERA program during the COVID-19 pandemic allocated significant rental assistance funding. Challenges in distribution were noted in some states. New Jersey improved its distribution by simplifying applications and increasing outreach to tenants and landlords. The Treasury Department allowed direct payments to renters when landlords didn't participate. ERA highlights the importance of easy application processes, active outreach, and program flexibility.
National Landscape of Federal Rental Assistance
Federal programs like the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), subsidized rental housing, public housing, and assistance for specific groups demonstrate a national commitment to housing affordability. Iowa's participation in these programs aligns with this strategy.
Iowa provides a range of rent relief programs and resources for individuals and families facing housing challenges. These include state, federal, and local initiatives, each with specific criteria and application processes. Understanding these options and the rights of tenants is crucial for those seeking or providing assistance. Learning from other states' experiences can help Iowa refine its strategies for equitable and effective distribution of rental aid. Continuous evaluation and adaptation of these programs are essential to ensure housing stability and prevent homelessness across the state.
The Iowa Rent Reimbursement Program provides a partial reimbursement of rent to eligible low-income Iowans who are either 65 years or older or are adults with disabilities. You can apply for reimbursement for the 2023 and 2024 claim years starting January 2, 2025.
To be eligible, you must be 65 or older, or disabled and 18 or older, have lived and rented in Iowa during the claim year at a property that pays property tax, and meet specific income limits. For the 2024 claim year, your total annual household income must be less than $26,219.
The application for the Rent Reimbursement program is available online through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website. You can submit your application starting January 2, 2025, using any device with internet access.
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Rent Subsidy Program offers monthly rent assistance to eligible individuals with disabilities who are part of specific Medicaid waiver programs. This program helps people live in the community while waiting for other long-term rental assistance.
Eligibility includes being 18 or older, an approved participant in certain HCBS waiver programs, responsible for paying over 30% of income for rent, and ineligible for HUD rental assistance. The rental unit must also meet specific criteria, such as being an apartment or mobile home with a signed lease.
Yes, the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program provides funding to local governments and nonprofits in Iowa to assist individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Individuals cannot apply directly but can access help through the Coordinated Entry system by calling 833-739-0065 or visiting HouseIowa.org.
FEMA rental assistance may be available to homeowners and renters in Iowa counties declared disaster areas following events like severe storms or flooding. This assistance helps cover temporary housing costs if you cannot live in your home due to the disaster.
You can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or using the FEMA mobile app if your county has been declared a disaster area. You will need to provide information about yourself, your insurance, and the damage to your property.
The Section 8 program, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private rental market. Eligible participants receive a voucher to help pay their rent.
To apply for a Section 8 voucher, you need to contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) in Iowa. Eligibility is based on income and family size, and waiting lists are common due to high demand.
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