Kentucky Rent Relief: Finding Housing Assistance in 2025

Finding Kentucky rent relief remains a critical need for many residents across the Commonwealth. If you need help paying rent in KY, understanding where to turn for support can feel overwhelming, especially as assistance programs evolve. Major statewide emergency rental assistance initiatives established during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the Team Kentucky Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund (HHERF) and the Team KY Eviction Diversion Program (KY-EDP), are significant examples of programs that are no longer accepting new applications as of early 2025. The KY-EDP specifically stopped taking applications on April 1, 2025, due to federal funding limitations.

Kentucky Rent Relief: Shift in Assistance Access

The closure of these large, centralized programs marks a significant shift in how housing assistance is accessed in Kentucky. While those specific portals are no longer entry points for new aid requests, it does not mean help has disappeared entirely. Instead, support is now primarily available through ongoing state and federal programs, often administered by local partner organizations, and specific initiatives within larger communities.

Purpose of This Guide

This article serves as a guide to the currently available options for emergency rental assistance Kentucky, help with utility bills, resources for eviction prevention Kentucky, and ways to find affordable housing throughout the state in 2025. This guide focuses on providing clear, actionable information about the Kentucky housing assistance resources available now. We will explore statewide programs still offering support, highlight specific resources in Louisville and Lexington, provide practical steps for applying, and point towards additional housing stability resources. The goal is to help Kentuckians navigate the current landscape and connect with the help they need.

Statewide Rent and Utility Assistance Programs (Active in 2025)

Several programs offer potential rent and utility assistance across Kentucky, although availability often depends on funding levels and specific eligibility rules. Unlike the previous centralized portals, accessing help now often involves connecting with local agencies or specific program partners.

A. Kentucky ERA2 Partnership Program (KyERA2-PP)

Program Overview

The Kentucky ERA2 Partnership Program (KyERA2-PP) utilizes federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Act. While the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) administers these funds, the actual assistance is delivered to residents through various nonprofit partners located across the state. KHC has awarded these ERA2 funds to numerous nonprofits, including those specifically serving Kentuckians experiencing homelessness, indicating a targeted approach to distributing the remaining aid.

What KyERA2-PP Offers

Through these partner agencies, KyERA2-PP may offer several types of assistance to eligible households. This can include help with past-due rent to prevent eviction, short-term rental assistance (up to 3 months), or medium-term rental assistance (up to a total of 18 months combined across all ERA1 and ERA2 programs). For households experiencing homelessness, assistance might also cover rehousing costs like security deposits, application fees, utility deposits, and even limited funds for moving expenses or essential furniture. Additionally, the program can fund housing stability services, such as case management and housing-related legal aid.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for KyERA2-PP financial assistance requires meeting several criteria. Applicants must be renters with an obligation to pay rent and have experienced some form of economic hardship during or due to the COVID-19 pandemic (this can include income loss, significant costs, or other financial difficulties). Applicants must also be at risk of homelessness or housing instability.  

Household income must generally be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for their county, and the household cannot have already received the maximum 18 months of federal Emergency Rental Assistance. KHC provides income limit details based on county and household size.

How to Find KyERA2-PP Help

Finding help through the KyERA2-PP requires a different approach than previous statewide programs. Because KHC distributes these funds through various nonprofit partners across the state , there isn't one central website for renters to apply directly. This means individuals need to identify and connect with a local organization administering the funds, making proactive outreach essential.  

The recommended first step is often contacting your local Community Action Agency (detailed below), as they are key service providers statewide. Alternatively, individuals can inquire directly with KHC about participating nonprofit partners in their specific area by emailing the program at KyERA2PP@kyhousing.org.  

B. Community Action Kentucky Network

Statewide Reach

The Community Action Kentucky network consists of 23 local non-profit agencies with outreach offices covering all 120 Kentucky counties. These agencies serve as vital hubs, offering a range of support services aimed at promoting economic stability and well-being. They are a primary resource for Kentuckians seeking help paying utility bills in KY and navigating other assistance programs.  

LIHEAP Utility Assistance

A key program administered by Community Action Agencies is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP offers assistance through different phases during the year. Currently, the LIHEAP Spring Subsidy phase is active, running from April 15 through May 30, 2025. This component specifically helps eligible households offset the cost of their electric bills with a one-time benefit, paid directly to the utility provider.  

Eligibility for the Spring Subsidy requires a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. To apply, residents must contact their local Community Action Agency office and provide necessary documentation, including proof of Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of the previous month's income, and their most recent electric bill. Other LIHEAP components, like the Winter Crisis program or partnerships with specific utility companies (Home Energy Assistance - HEA), operate at different times of the year.  

Beyond LIHEAP: Other Services

Beyond LIHEAP, Community Action Agencies are crucial connectors to broader support. They may offer other forms of financial assistance for needs like food or housing, depending on available funding and local partnerships. Importantly, they are often knowledgeable about or may even be direct partners in administering other programs like the KyERA2-PP, making them an excellent starting point for anyone seeking help.  

Their presence in every county makes them one of the most consistently accessible resources for navigating assistance options statewide. To find your local agency and their contact information, visit the Community Action Kentucky website at www.capky.org/network. Calling the local office directly is the best way to learn about available services.

C. Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Programs & Resources

KHC's Role

Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) is the state's housing finance agency and administers various federal and state housing programs beyond the ERA2 partnership. While some KHC programs offer direct assistance, others work through local partners.  

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

One of the most well-known KHC programs is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, commonly known as Section 8. This program provides long-term rental subsidies to help very low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities afford housing in the private market. However, it's crucial to know that KHC's statewide HCV waiting list has been CLOSED since July 26, 2024, and new applications are not being accepted through KHC at this time.  

Even when the waiting list is open, the demand far exceeds the available vouchers, leading to potentially long waits, sometimes several years. For questions specifically about the KHC HCV waiting list status, individuals can email hcvwaitinglist@kyhousing.org. Note that some local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in larger cities like Louisville or Lexington manage their own HCV programs and may have different waiting list statuses; it is advisable to check directly with the local PHA.  

Other KHC Housing Programs

KHC also oversees other rental assistance and housing programs, such as the HOME Investment Partnerships Program's Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (HOME TBRA) and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program. These programs fund activities like rental subsidies, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing, and shelter operations.  

Generally, individuals access assistance from these programs not by applying directly to KHC, but through local government entities or nonprofit organizations that receive funding grants from KHC. Funding for these programs often operates in cycles; for example, the application period for the 2024/2025 ESG funding closed in June 2024, with the next round anticipated in 2026.  

KHC Housing Search Tools

For those searching for housing, KHC offers resources like the Kentucky Rents platform (powered by Padmission), which helps connect landlords participating in KHC programs with renters seeking units. KHC also provides a Community Resource Guide listing agencies and services by county, including potential housing options. General information about KHC programs can be found at www.kyhousing.org or by calling 502-564-7630 (or toll-free in KY: 877-552-7368).

Summary of Active Statewide Assistance Avenues (Mid-2025)

The landscape of statewide assistance requires knowing where to turn. This table summarizes the main active avenues:

This table provides a quick reference to help navigate the available statewide resources and identify the appropriate starting points for seeking assistance.

Local Rent Relief: Louisville and Lexington Focus

Kentucky's largest metropolitan areas, Louisville and Lexington, often manage their own specific programs and resources for residents facing housing challenges. This is partly because federal programs sometimes allocate funds directly to larger cities or counties, and these areas may have dedicated agencies to address local needs. Notably, the former Team KY Eviction Diversion Program excluded Jefferson (Louisville) and Fayette (Lexington) counties because they operated their own distinct eviction relief efforts.

A. Louisville / Jefferson County

Local Support Network

Residents of Louisville and Jefferson County have access to a local network of support, often centralized through the StopMyEviction.org website, which serves as a key information hub.  

Active Assistance Programs (Mid-2025)

Several specific assistance programs are currently active as of mid-2025:

• Neighborhood Place Programs: Louisville Metro Government's Neighborhood Place centers offer crucial support.
  • Housing Stabilization Program: Provides both short-term and long-term rental assistance (up to $1000 for first payment mentioned) combined with case management focused on self-sufficiency goals like employment and education. Eligibility typically requires income guidelines, a recent work history for at least one household member, and willingness to participate in case management. Appointments are needed and can be scheduled via an automated phone line (502-308-3344, option 1) or an online scheduling tool, with new slots added monthly.  
  • HOPE Assistance Program: Specifically targets seniors and individuals with disabilities living on a fixed income. It helps reduce debt owed to landlords, LG&E, and Louisville Water for those unable to increase their income due to age or disability. Applications are also made via appointment scheduled online or by phone (502-308-3344, option 2).  
• Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA): LMHA is the local public housing authority managing federal public housing units and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program within Jefferson County. While KHC's statewide HCV list is closed, some sources suggest LMHA's local list may be open; residents should contact LMHA directly to confirm the current status. LMHA is undergoing strategic changes aimed at improving housing quality and program administration.  
• Landlord Incentive Pilot Program: Active until September 2026, this pilot program offers landlords a $2,000 incentive ($1,000 upfront, $1,000 at lease end) to rent units to clients experiencing homelessness referred by the city's Housing and Support Division. Rent for these clients is covered by federal Continuum of Care funds, not the tenant's income, and includes wraparound support services. This program aims to increase housing options for highly vulnerable residents by partnering with landlords.  
• Utility Assistance: Local LIHEAP assistance (including the current Spring Subsidy) is accessible through Louisville Metro Resilience and Community Services, with appointments scheduled via phone (502-991-8391) or online. MSD (Metropolitan Sewer District) discount programs may also be available.  
• Eviction Prevention: For tenants facing eviction court in Jefferson County, the Legal Aid Society offers free legal representation (call 502-584-1254 and leave a message). Mediation services are also available to help landlords and tenants reach agreements outside of court.  

Accessing Louisville Resources

To access these resources, residents should utilize the Neighborhood Place appointment schedulers, contact the Legal Aid Society if facing court action, and regularly check StopMyEviction.org for the latest information, resource navigation forms, and updates. The presence of dedicated local programs and a central resource hub suggests a more structured, though still complex, local system for housing assistance compared to relying solely on statewide resources.

B. Lexington / Fayette County

Changes in Lexington Assistance

The situation for rental assistance in Lexington and Fayette County has changed significantly since the peak of pandemic-related aid. The primary local program distributing federal COVID-19 emergency rent and utility funds, operated by the Community Action Council in partnership with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG), ended in November 2023 because its funding was exhausted. This means the large-scale, dedicated portal previously used (like covid19renterhelp.org) is no longer active for that purpose.

Key Resources in Lexington (Mid-2025)

With the conclusion of that major local initiative, Lexington residents seeking rent or housing assistance now primarily rely on the broader statewide network and resources focused on specific needs:

• Community Action Council (Lexington's Agency): As the designated Community Action Agency for the area, the Council remains the primary point of contact for LIHEAP utility assistance (including the current Spring Subsidy phase). They may also offer referrals or information about other limited resources available locally. Contacting them directly is the best way to inquire about current services (find contact info via www.capky.org/network).  
• Legal Aid for Eviction: For tenants facing an active eviction case in Fayette County District Court, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass is the recommended resource for seeking free legal assistance.  
• Kentucky Equal Justice Center (KEJC): If Legal Aid of the Bluegrass is unable to provide representation, KEJC may be another avenue for legal help with eviction cases.  
• General Housing Resources: Residents can utilize statewide resources like KHC's affordable housing locators (Kentucky Rents) and HUD-approved housing counselors (800-569-4287) for guidance on finding housing options or addressing broader housing concerns.  

Current Landscape in Lexington

The end of Lexington's large, dedicated rental assistance program underscores the reliance on temporary emergency funding streams. Currently, residents facing housing instability in Fayette County must navigate a system more dependent on utility-specific aid like LIHEAP, legal defense services for eviction, and the general statewide support network, rather than a centralized local rent relief application process.

How to Apply for Kentucky Rent Relief: A Practical Checklist

Navigating the application process for rent and utility assistance requires preparation and persistence. While specific steps vary by program and agency, following this general checklist can help streamline the process:

• Step 1: Identify Potential Programs & Contact Points: Based on your needs and location, determine the best starting point.
  • For utility bill help statewide: Contact your local Community Action Agency (find yours at www.capky.org/network).  
  • For potential rent/rehousing aid (KyERA2-PP): Start with your Community Action Agency or email KHC at KyERA2PP@kyhousing.org.  
  • In Louisville: Check StopMyEviction.org and call Neighborhood Place schedulers (502-308-3344) for programs like Housing Stabilization or HOPE.  
  • If facing eviction court: Immediately contact Legal Aid (Louisville: 502-584-1254; Lexington: Legal Aid of the Bluegrass; Elsewhere: find via www.kyjustice.org/help-near-you).  
• Step 2: Verify Eligibility Carefully: Before applying, review the specific requirements for any program you're considering. Pay close attention to:
  • Income Limits: Programs often use Area Median Income (AMI) percentages (like 80% for KyERA2-PP ) or Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentages (like 150% for LIHEAP Spring Subsidy ). Find current limits on agency websites or ask when you call.  
  • Household Situation: Confirm you meet criteria related to renter status, documented hardship (if required, like for KyERA2-PP ), risk of homelessness, or specific demographics (like senior/disabled for Louisville's HOPE program ).  
  • Assistance Caps: Be aware of limits on total assistance received, especially for federal programs like ERA (18-month cap mentioned for KyERA2-PP ).  
  • Funding Availability: Remember that meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee assistance, as funds are often limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.  
• Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents: Having paperwork ready can speed up the process. While exact needs vary, common documents include :
  • Valid photo identification for adult household members.
  • Social Security cards or numbers for everyone in the household (often needed for federal aid like LIHEAP ).  
  • Proof of all household income for the previous month (e.g., pay stubs, unemployment benefit statements, Social Security award letters, child support documentation) or a form verifying no income if applicable.  
  • A copy of your current, signed lease agreement.
  • Copies of past-due rent statements or utility bills.
  • An eviction notice, if you have received one.
  • Documentation of COVID-related hardship, if required by the program.  
• Step 4: Contact the Agency and Apply: Reach out through the designated channel – often a phone call to the local office or an appointment scheduler (online or phone). Be prepared to provide information and potentially submit documents electronically or in person. Some programs may require an email address for communication or application submission. Be patient and polite during the intake process.  
• Step 5: Follow Up: After applying, stay proactive. If the agency offers a way to check your application status online or by phone, use it. Respond quickly if the agency contacts you requesting additional information or clarification. Keep records of when you applied and who you spoke with. Support lines may exist but anticipate potential wait times for responses.  

Successfully applying for assistance often involves careful preparation, gathering extensive documentation, and actively engaging with the application process. Being organized and persistent is key to navigating the requirements of different programs.

Beyond Rent Payments: Additional Kentucky Housing Support

Addressing housing instability often requires more than just temporary financial aid for rent or utilities. Several other resources across Kentucky can provide crucial support for long-term stability.

A. Eviction Prevention and Legal Aid

Finding Legal Help

Facing eviction can be frightening, but legal help is available. Tenants facing eviction court should immediately seek assistance from their regional Legal Aid organization. These non-profits provide free legal services to eligible low-income Kentuckians. Key contacts include:  

• Louisville: Legal Aid Society (502-584-1254)  
• Lexington: Legal Aid of the Bluegrass  
• Eastern KY: AppalRed Legal Aid  
• Western KY: Kentucky Legal Aid  
• Find your local provider: www.kyjustice.org/help-near-you  

Other Eviction Prevention Tools

If Legal Aid cannot assist, the Kentucky Equal Justice Center (KEJC) may be another resource. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offers online guides and FAQs for people at risk of eviction. In some areas like Louisville, eviction mediation programs may offer a way to resolve disputes with landlords outside of court.

B. Finding Affordable Housing

Securing stable, affordable housing is a long-term goal. Resources to aid in this search include:

• Using Online Housing Locators:
  • KHC maintains the Kentucky Rents platform (using Padmission) to list available rental units, including those participating in KHC programs.  
  • Their Affordable Rental Directory or Community Resource Guide may also list properties.  
  • HUD offers an online resource locator to find housing options and Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) by zip code.  
• Getting Housing Counseling:
  • HUD sponsors HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies that offer free advice on budgeting, renting, and avoiding eviction. Find a counselor online or by calling 800-569-4287.  
• Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs):
  • Contacting your city or county's Public Housing Authority directly can provide information on local public housing availability or project-based rental assistance properties.  

C. General Assistance and Referrals

Connecting to Broader Support

Often, housing issues are linked to other challenges. Several resources offer broader support and referrals:

• 2-1-1: Dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.uwky.org/211 connects you to a free service that provides referrals for a wide range of local health and human services, including potential help with housing, food, healthcare, and more.  
• Kynect Resources: The state's Kynect portal (kynect.ky.gov/resources) helps Kentuckians find and apply for benefits like Medicaid and SNAP (food assistance), and connects users to resources for employment, transportation, and mental health, all of which can support housing stability.  
• Community Charities: Organizations like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities often provide emergency assistance or referrals in local communities. Contact local branches to inquire about available services.  

D. Homelessness Resources

Accessing the Continuum of Care (CoC)

Individuals currently experiencing homelessness (living on the street, in a car, or in emergency shelter) should connect with their regional Continuum of Care (CoC) system. This is typically done by contacting the designated CoC Lead Agency for their area. These agencies conduct assessments and coordinate access to emergency shelters, transitional housing, and programs like the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) or Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). KHC provides a list of Lead Agency contacts on its website.

Specific Intake Lines

Specific intake lines for major cities include:

• Louisville/Jefferson County: Coalition for the Homeless Single Point of Entry (502-637-2337)  
• Lexington/Fayette County: Call 855-233-4600 and ask for the Homeless and Housing team  

Comprehensive Approach

Achieving and maintaining stable housing often requires leveraging a combination of resources. Beyond immediate financial help for rent, utilizing legal aid, housing search tools, general support networks like 2-1-1, and specialized homelessness services provides a more comprehensive approach to overcoming housing challenges.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Kentucky Housing Assistance

Key Takeaways

Navigating the landscape of Kentucky rent relief and Kentucky housing assistance in 2025 requires understanding the current resources available now that major COVID-19 emergency programs have concluded. While the system has shifted, help still exists for Kentuckians facing housing instability.

The primary avenues for statewide assistance currently include the Kentucky ERA2 Partnership Program (KyERA2-PP), accessed through partner nonprofits, and utility bill help via the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by local Community Action Agencies. These local agencies, serving every county, are often the best initial point of contact for exploring available support (find yours at www.capky.org/network).

In Louisville, dedicated local programs through Neighborhood Place and resources coordinated via StopMyEviction.org offer additional options. For those facing eviction, seeking immediate help from regional Legal Aid services is crucial.

Next Steps

Finding and applying for assistance takes persistence. Be prepared to gather necessary documents, check eligibility carefully, and follow up diligently with agencies. Remember to explore related supports like affordable housing locators, HUD housing counseling, and general referral services like 2-1-1.

While challenges remain, resources are available across the Commonwealth. Taking the first step to contact a local Community Action Agency, Legal Aid, or a specialized local program is key to accessing the Kentucky housing assistance needed to achieve stability.

Frequently Asked Questions