Emergency Rental Assistance/Eviction Prevention Program (ERA) Applications Temporarily Closed

Thank you for your interest in the Emergency Rental Assistance/Eviction Prevention Program. Due to high demand, we have reached our current capacity and are not accepting new applications currently. If additional funding becomes available, we will reopen the application and update this webpage with more information.

Program Description

The Emergency Rental Assistance/Eviction Prevention Program offers support to renter households in Saint Paul facing a pending eviction due to unforeseen circumstances when other assistance options are unavailable. Eligible households may receive a one-time payment of up to $2,500 for late rent and associated fees, paid directly to the landlord.

Process

1. Review Program Eligibility

  • Leased residence is within Saint Paul city limits and has an active lease
  • Recently experienced an unforeseen event resulting in an eviction notice
  • 14-day notice of intent to evict (Notice to Quit), or Housing Court Summons
  • Meet an income restriction of 80% Area Median Income (AMI) or less*
  • No member of the household has received funding from this program in the last 12 months. Upon approval, tenants will receive a letter of guarantee that they will not be evicted from their unit by their landlord for missed rent that ERA funds will cover. 

*Households must earn 80% of AMI or less in accordance with the Minneapolis – St. Paul – Bloomington, MN – WI HUD Metro Fair Market Rent Area as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.

Fiscal Year 2025 80% Area Median Income

1 Person

$72,950

2 Persons

$83,400

3 Persons

$93,800

4 Persons

$104,200

5 Persons

$112,550

6 Persons

$120,900

7 Persons

$129,250

8 Persons

$137,550

2. Tenant Completes an Application

  • Please see the Guide for Applying to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program for more information about applying. You may also reach out to program staff at StPaulERA@stpaul.gov or 651-266-6671.
  • When applying, additional documentation will be requested and can be uploaded in the application portal or included with your paper application. This includes:
    • Evidence of a pending eviction
      • 14-day notice of intent to evict (Notice to Quit), or
      • Housing Court Summons
    • Income verification
      • Applicants are required to submit one type of income verification from the chart below. The same category must be used for all income-earners in the household.

3. Landlord Completes an Application & Vendor Setup

  • Once a tenant submits an application, their landlord will be notified using the contact information provided by the tenant. The landlord will be prompted to complete an application. This part is required before staff can proceed with review.
  • The landlord application is specific to each tenant. If a landlord has multiple households applying for the program, a separate landlord application is required for each household.
  • The landlord will receive a link to create a vendor page for PaymentWorks, the City of Saint Paul’s secure payment platform. Details on the program and support will be.

4. Confirm Eligibility

  • Once applications are submitted by both the tenant and landlord, staff members can help talk to landlords as requested.
  • Staff members will review the tenant and landlord applications within three (3) working days of all necessary materials submitted. Review is based on the eligibility criteria outlined above (also in the program guidelines linked under program materials).

5. Decision 

  • If a tenant is eligible for assistance, they will receive an approval letter. Staff will send a letter of guarantee to the landlord with the tenant included in the communications.
  • If a tenant is not eligible for assistance, they will receive a denial letter with details on alternative resources to explore. 

6. Payment 

  • If approved, staff will pay the landlord directly using the banking information provided by the landlord when they set up their PaymentWorks vendor profile. The goal is for funding to be distributed to landlords within 1 week of receiving a complete, eligible application.

Required Income Documents

Applicants need to submit documents for one category. Start with category 1.

Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Category 4
Proof you are currently enrolled in any qualified programTax return for the most recent yearProof of income (provide multiple documents listed here if applicable to your household)Self employment (provide all documents listed here)
  • SNAP
  • WIC
  • Energy Assistance
  • CCAP
  • FAIM
  • Headstart
  • General Assistance
  • Minnesota Care
  • Medical Assistance for single adults over 18
  • EA/FHPAP within the last 90 days

**If you are enrolled in another program that you don't see, contact staff for eligibility

  • Full Form 1040, filled and signed for all non-dependents above the age of 18
  • If the head of household is a dependent on another tax return, use category 3 or 4
  • Paystubs showing 60 days of earnings
  • Social Security award letter
  • Documentation of child support, alimony, or foster care payments
  • Certification of zero income (see document on ERA website)
  • 1040 Return for business included Schedule C
  • Documentation of gross receipts and/or Profit & Loss Statement

Frequently Asked Questions

Language Access and Reasonable Accommodation Policy

All application and marketing, electronic interface, and print materials will be translated into English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong, and in some cases, Karen and Oromo. Intake and navigation services are also available in these languages. 

Applicants needing additional language assistance can request accommodations by contacting City staff.

Translated Materials

Legal Notices
Flyer

Last Edited: December 8, 2025