Up To $5k In Overdue Rent To Be Covered By New CT Program

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont announced a new fund that will help renters who are on the verge of being evicted due to owing back rent.

The $12.5 million fund will provide households with up to $5,000 to pay off past due rent with their landlord. Tenants can call UniteCT at 1-844-864-8328 to be screened for eligibility.

“This fund will enable renters who have been struggling with back rent to remain in their homes while providing payments to landlords on their behalf," Lamont said in a statement. "I encourage anyone who is in need of assistance to reach out and see if they are eligible.”

UniteCT launched in 2021 to help provide rent and utility assistance for households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been funded by emergency allocations from Congress, including the American Rescue Plan Act. To date, the program has provided more than $330 million to cover back rent on behalf of nearly 48,000 households. The program also helps with paying utility bills.

"This critical program, supported largely through federal funding, will help ensure that renters can stay in their homes as they deal with financial hardships," Sen. Richard Blumenthal said in a statement. "Connecticut families are struggling to meet historically high costs for rent and utilities."