The Knox Housing Assistance Program is a joint City of Knoxville/Knox County initiative aiding renters adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is open to income-qualified city and county renters where one or more individuals in the home have experienced one of the following adverse financial impacts at some point since March 13, 2020.

1. Qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in income
2. Incurred significant costs negatively impacting the financial stability of the household
3. Experienced other financial hardship negatively impacting the financial stability of the household

Who Can Apply?

For rental assistance, applications are requested of both the tenant and the landlord. Once a tenant applies, an email will automatically be sent to the tenant’s landlord requesting they submit the landlord application. Tenants should also contact their landlord directly to let them know they’ve applied and request they submit the landlord application. The system generated email is not required for the landlord to submit an application, and landlords may even apply before the tenant. The application portal automatically matches the tenant and landlord applications, and it is very important that both the tenant and landlord include the tenant’s address when applying.

Applications for utility assistance only do not require the landlord to submit an application.

What Expenses Are Covered Under the Program?

Rent and utility assistance are both available through the program. As a tenant you may apply for rent and utility assistance within the same application or you may apply for either type of assistance individually. As a landlord, you may apply for multiple tenants through a single application.

What is required of landlords?

To receive payment through the emergency rental assistance program, a landlord must agree to and sign the following attestation as part of the application process:

“I agree not to evict this tenant for nonpayment of rent during the months for which I am receiving rental assistance funding and for 30 days longer than the period covered by this payment.”

Landlords are not required to participate in the program for a tenant to be eligible for assistance. After a tenant applies, an email is sent to the landlord requesting they complete a landlord application. If no landlord application is submitted, Case Managers will make two additional attempts to contact the landlord, and if unsuccessful, a direct rental assistance payment will be made to the tenant.

What if I’m a homeowner?

Homeowners are not eligible to apply under this program. If you are a homeowner and need assistance, please call 211 for a list of agencies that may be able to help.

Is There a Limit on the Amount of Assistance I Can Receive?

Renter households are eligible to receive assistance for up to 18 months of rent and utility assistance. Based on the availability of funding, households at risk of continued housing instability may be eligible for future rent payments (paid in three-month increments).

Is There a Deadline to Apply?

Applications will be accepted until all funds have been reserved. Priority application processing is provided for households at or below 50% of the adjusted median income for Knox County or where one or more household members have been unemployed for the 90 days prior to the date of their application.