Gov. Andy Beshear launches $264 Million Eviction Relief Fund in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WSIL) -- In partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC), Gov. Andy Beshear relaunched the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund with an additional $264 million to keep Kentuckians safe and housed throughout the pandemic.

Starting Feb. 15, tenants who qualify can apply for rent and utility assistance to cover their past-due and future bills. If approved, lump sum, direct payments will be made to landlords and utility providers.

The money will be distributed as three separate programs:

For 118 counties other than Fayette and Jefferson:
To apply in Fayette County: ��
To apply in Jefferson County:

All of the funds will offer the same benefits to approved applicants �� 100% of past-due rent, dating back to April 2020 �� and up to three months of future payments.

Those applying through the Team Kentucky portal also can receive help with past-due and future utility bills.

A third party can help tenants apply if a tenant does not have access to a smart phone or computer, or if they are elderly or disabled.

The new fund’s structure and requirements are similar to those of the original Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund:

Renters in the 118 counties covered by the state program must have at least one household member who experienced one of the following during the pandemic: qualified for unemployment benefits; experienced a reduction in income; or experienced other financial hardship.
Renters must be at risk of eviction as evidenced by a pending court eviction, or a past-due notice.
Tenants must meet certain income guidelines. An income calculator is available at .
- Household income must not exceed 80% of Area Median Income, adjusted by county and for household size.
- Income determination will be based on the documents the tenant submits with their application.
- Tenants can submit either their 2020 IRS tax return or documentation of income for the past 60 days (paystubs/unemployment insurance statements, etc.). They should submit whichever demonstrates that they fall under the program income limits.
To qualify, both the landlord and tenant should apply at . Applications are processed more quickly when both the landlord and the tenant apply online.
Maximum rent relief: 100% of past-due rent since April 1, 2020, and three months future rent.
Maximum utility relief: 100% of past-due utilities since April 1, 2020, and three months of future utilities. Assistance can cover gas, electric, water, sewer and/or wastewater bills.
If approved, lump sum, direct payments will be made to landlords and utility providers.
Landlords must forgive any late fees, penalties and interest related to non-payment of rent.
Landlords must also agree to not begin eviction proceedings until at least 45 days after the period covered by assistance.
Tenants/landlords may reapply subject to funding availability.

The Governor asked landlords and utility companies to please exercise patience with low-income tenants who are behind on payments.