AHFC Invites New Rent Relief Applications

AHFC Invites Applications for New Rent Relief Period from Sept. 13 - Oct. 1, 2021
Vulnerable Alaska renters are encouraged to check eligibility and apply

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Sept. 7, 2021 – Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) is accepting applications for a new Alaska Housing Rent Relief period beginning Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2021, and closing Oct. 1, 2021, providing up to three months of rent relief to eligible applicants who meet the federal requirements. The program, a new segment of the federal COVID-19 relief package passed at year-end 2020, offers protection for renters/tenants vulnerable to eviction by providing direct rent relief payments to qualifying landlords and utility companies.

Streamlined and confidential, the Alaska Housing Rent Relief program is open to all Alaska renters who may be dealing with the anxieties associated with job loss and experiencing financial hardships as a result of the pandemic. Alaskans in need of rental assistance, including renters who may not have experienced similar circumstances in the past and who are struggling to make ends meet, are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply immediately at AlaskaHousingRelief.org.

AHFC’s online eligibility checker is the first step to verify qualifications and can be found at AlaskaHousingRelief.org.

Eligible applicants must satisfy minimum federal requirements including:

• At least one person per household must be directly or indirectly financially impacted by COVID-19
• Demonstrated risk of housing instability or homelessness
• AMI Income requirements

AHFC’s online eligibility tool allows applicants to check their eligibility in under 5 minutes by answering a short set of simple questions related to their current housing situation and circumstances. The automated system requires applicants to provide a verifiable email address and mobile phone number. Those who meet the eligibility criteria can proceed to their application, which must be submitted by Oct. 1, 2021.

Renters must apply to the program individually. Households currently receiving Alaska Housing Rent Relief program funds are not eligible for overlapping assistance. However, applicants who were withdrawn, deemed ineligible or are no longer receiving assistance through Alaska Housing Rent Relief may apply for additional relief. 

 “Since the early stages of the pandemic, Alaska House Finance Corporation has been fully committed to providing critical resources to Alaska tenants and landlords impacted by COVID-19,” says Bryan Butcher, CEO/executive director of AHFC.

“Our team, along with our many trusted statewide partners, has been dedicated to keeping Alaskans in their homes and alleviating the stress that coincides with the fear of eviction. A robust program is in place that emphasizes safety, security and wellbeing for Alaska tenants.” 

A recent Wall Street Journal report showed that Alaska, via Alaska Housing Rent Relief, is leading the country in distributing funds directly to landlords and utility companies. Alaska is one of the few states to launch a weekly online program update with up-to-date program progress including the number of applications received and the total funds distributed. The dashboard and pandemic-related housing resources are published at AlaskaHousingRelief.org.

For the most current information, visit AlaskaHousingRelief.org or ahfc.us. 

September Application Period FAQs

What does Alaska Housing Rent Relief cover?

• Eligible renters who meet the minimum federal requirements can receive up to three months of rent and/or utility assistance paid directly to landlords and utility companies

Who should check their eligibility and apply?

• Alaskans who are struggling to pay rent and/or utilities
• Alaskans who are living in an overcrowded or unsafe situation, such as risk of domestic violence or sexual abuse
• Alaskans who are or have been unemployed, or who are otherwise struggling to keep up financially
• Alaskans who are at risk of eviction 

Who does Alaska Housing Rent Relief cover?

• AHFC’s online eligibility checker, AlaskaHousingRelief.org, is the first step to verify applicant qualifications
• Everyone who meets the minimum federal eligibility requirements will be invited by email to apply for rent and utility relief at AlaskaHousingRelief.org
• Households currently receiving Alaska Housing Rent Relief program funds are not eligible for overlapping assistance
• Applicants who were withdrawn, deemed ineligible or are no longer receiving assistance through Alaska Housing Rent Relief may apply for additional relief

Download the Alaska Housing Rent Relief Fact Sheet (357k PDF)

###

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is a public corporation providing Alaskans access to safe, quality and affordable housing through residential financing, energy efficiency, public housing and more. Since 1986, Alaska Housing has contributed more than $2.1 billion to the State of Alaska.

Contact: Stacy Barnes
Director, governmental relations and public affairs
(907) 330-8445/301-4556
sbarnes@ahfc.us