Knox Housing Assistance Program
The Knox Housing Assistance Program is a joint City of Knoxville/Knox County initiative aiding renters adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for this initiative is provided under the US Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Program and is available for the payment of past due rent and/or utility expenses for eligible city and county households. Based on available funding, and number of applications received, future rent payments may be provided for applicants at high risk of experiencing homelessness.
Program Overview
What Is the Knox Housing Assistance Program?
The Knox Housing Assistance 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 due directly, or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in income
- Incurred significant costs
- Experienced other financial hardship
Who Can Apply?
Applications will be accepted from either the tenant or the tenant’s landlord. Regardless of who initiates the application, both the tenant and landlord must agree to participate in the program.
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 on behalf of your tenant, for rent arrearages and late fees owed for their unit.
Is There a Limit on the Amount of Assistance I Can Receive?
Renter households are eligible to receive assistance for up to 12 months of rent and utility assistance. Households at highest risk of experiencing housing instability, may be eligible for future rent payments based on the availability of funding.
Is There a Deadline to Apply?
Applications will be accepted until all funds have been reserved. Households at or below 50% of the adjusted median income for Knox County or those where one or more household members have been unemployed for the 90 days prior to the date of their application will receive priority funding.
Eligibility and Documentation
Am I Eligible for the Program?
The easiest way to determine your eligibility for the Knox Housing Assistance Program, is by clicking on the application link and answering the seven questions asked in the Eligibility Questionnaire.
Renter households within the city and county who have experienced adverse economic impacts because of the COVID-19 pandemic and have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income are eligible to apply for the program. Income-eligibility is determined by two factors – your household size and income. If your income is equal to or less than the amount listed in the column next to your household size, your household is eligible to apply for assistance.
| Household Size | 80% Area Median Income |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $41,400 |
| 2 Person | $47,300 |
| 3 Person | $53,200 |
| 4 Person | $59,100 |
| 5 Person | $63,850 |
| 6 Person | $68,600 |
| 7 Person | $73,300 |
| 8 Person | $78,050 |
What Documentation Do I Need?
- Valid government issued photo ID
- Rent or lease agreement
- Documentation of past-due rent
- Copy of past due utility bill
- Income documentation
- Eviction notice, if applicable
- Unemployment documentation, if applicable
How Long Will It Take to Approve or Deny My Application?
We anticipate applications will take approximately 30 days to process. However, some applications may take longer based on the documentation provided and the time needed to verify your application.
Help and Resources
The application is available online and is both mobile and desktop friendly. If you do not have access to a smartphone or computer, you may visit any branch of the Knox County Library system to access the computer equipment needed to apply. Coming soon – the library is adding additional equipment and training personnel to assist patrons who need help with completing their applications.
If you need additional help, call 211 or 215-4211.
The City of Knoxville, Knox County, and local nonprofit agencies are working together to standup the Knox Housing Assistance Program. Additional housing stability services will be added to the program soon.
