Rental Assistance In Pierce County: Applications Open

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Pierce County is now offering rental assistance to county residents who are behind on rent and at risk of eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rental assistance is available for anyone who makes under 80% of the area median income. In Pierce County, that means:

• $48,450 for a family of one.
• $55,400 for a family of two.
• $62,300 for a family of three.

Applicants must live in Pierce County, and also be able to prove they are behind on rent and have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. The county says they'll need to provide documentation including a W-2 or pay stub, proof of unemployment or lost wages, and their landlord's contact information, so the county can verify the overdue rent.

Applications opened Monday morning. Residents can apply by visiting PierceCountyWA.gov/housinghelp or by calling 2-1-1.

County leaders say they hope this program will help prevent mass evictions when the state's eviction moratorium eventually expires. Currently, the moratorium is set to expire at the end of March, though it has been extended several times in the past and could potentially be extended again.

The moratorium began in March 2020, meaning some residents may have racked up some significant debts.

Beyond rent assistance, the county is also pointing to other options for tenants who at risk of eviction, including Tacomaprobono’s Housing Justice Project's free resolution services — which could help create a payment plan for past-due rent, keep an eviction filing off of your record, or extend your rent due date. Learn more about their Eviction Resolution Program here.