Where Pennsylvania rental information comes from

Pennsylvania has two main sources of rental information money: the state's Emergency Rental information Program (ERAP), which is federal funding distributed by the state, and local programs run by individual counties and cities. The state program closed to new applications in 2023, but many counties still have their own funds open. Your first step is to find out which county or city program is currently taking applications — this changes month to month as funds run out and reopen.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) manages the state ERAP, but they no longer accept new applications. However, PHFA maintains a list of county and local programs on their website, with contact information and current status. You can also call 211 Pennsylvania (dial 211 or visit 211.org) and they will tell you which programs in your area are open right now and what documents you need.

County programs work the same way as the state program did: they pay your landlord directly, cover rent you already owe, and require proof that your hardship is recent. The process process is similar across programs, but important date and specific documents vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania's state emergency rental information program is closed, but most counties run their own programs with money that may still be available.
  • Call 211 Pennsylvania to find which county or local program is open in your area and whether they are currently taking applications.
  • You will need a signed lease, proof of income loss or hardship, and your landlord's contact information and banking details to explore.
  • County programs typically pay landlords directly and cover back rent rather than future rent, so timing your process matters.
  • Processing time varies by county but usually takes two to eight weeks from the date you submit a complete process.

How to learn about a program is open in your county

The fastest way is to call 211 Pennsylvania. Tell them you are looking for emergency rental information in your county, and they will tell you which programs are currently open, whether they are taking new applications, and what documents you need to bring. This call takes about five minutes and saves you from calling programs that have already closed for the year.

You can also visit the PHFA website and look for their list of county contacts. Each county's housing authority or community development office runs the program. Call them directly and ask: "Are you currently taking applications for emergency rental information?" If they say yes, ask what documents you need and when the important date is.

Some counties use online portals to accept applications; others require you to explore in person or by mail. When you call, ask which method they use and whether you need an appointment.

Documents you will need to gather

Every county program requires the same core documents, though some ask for additional proof depending on your situation. Have these ready before you call or visit:

  • A signed lease or rental agreement showing your name, the landlord's name, the address, and the monthly rent amount.
  • Proof of income loss or hardship — this might be a termination letter, a pay stub showing reduced hours, a letter from your employer, or documentation of a medical emergency or other crisis that caused you to fall behind.
  • Proof that you are behind on rent — this can be a notice from your landlord, an email, a text message, or a letter showing how much you owe and when it became due.
  • Your landlord's name, address, phone number, and banking information (account and routing number) so the program can pay them directly.
  • Proof of your identity — a driver's license, state ID, or passport.
  • Proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency showing your current address.

If you do not have all of these, ask the program what you can substitute. Many programs will accept a signed statement from you instead of a formal document if you explain why you do not have it.

What happens after you submit your process

Once you turn in a complete process, the program will send you a confirmation letter or email with a case number. Keep this — you will use it to check on your process status. Programs typically take two to eight weeks to process applications, depending on how busy they are and whether they need to ask you for more information.

During this time, the program may contact your landlord to confirm the lease and the amount owed. Some programs also verify your income or hardship with your employer or other sources. If they need more information from you, they will call or email — respond as quickly as you can, because delays in getting back to them can slow down your case.

Once approved, the program pays your landlord directly. You will receive a letter saying the payment has been sent. The landlord should receive the money within one to three weeks, depending on their bank. If your landlord does not receive it after three weeks, contact the program and ask them to check the status.

What to do if you have an eviction notice

explore when ready, even if you have already been served with an eviction notice or have a court date scheduled. In Pennsylvania, having an active case usually moves you to the front of the line rather than disqualifying you. Bring the notice itself when you explore — programs use the court date to prioritize cases and may contact the court on your behalf to ask for a delay while your process is being processed.

Tell your landlord in writing that you have applied for emergency rental information and include your case number if you have one. Some landlords will agree to pause the eviction while the program processes your process. Even if they do not, the program can sometimes contact the court directly to request a continuance.

Do not ignore the court date. If you receive a hearing notice, mark it on your calendar. If your process is approved before the hearing, bring the approval letter to court — the judge may dismiss the case on the spot.

If the program in your county is closed

Many counties run out of money before the end of the year and reopen in January or when new funding arrives. Call 211 or the county program directly and ask when they expect to reopen. Some programs maintain a waiting list — ask if you can be added so they contact you when applications reopen.

While you wait, contact your landlord and explain your situation. Ask if they will work with you on a payment plan or delay filing for eviction while you wait for the program to reopen. Some landlords will negotiate if you show good faith by making partial payments or staying in contact.

You can also look into other programs: some nonprofits in Pennsylvania offer emergency rental information separate from the county programs, and your local 211 can tell you about those as well.

Common reasons applications are delayed or denied

The most common reason for delay is incomplete paperwork. If you do not include your landlord's banking information, proof of hardship, or a signed lease, the program will contact you and ask for it. Respond within the timeframe they give you — usually five to ten business days — or your process may be closed.

Applications are sometimes denied if the program determines that your hardship does not meet their definition — for example, if you lost income more than a year ago and have since found work, or if you are behind on rent for reasons unrelated to a documented hardship. If your process is denied, ask the program to explain why in writing and whether you can appeal.

A few programs deny applications if your income is above their limit, though most Pennsylvania programs have high income thresholds. Ask about income limits when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Most Pennsylvania county programs do not require citizenship, but some do. Call the program in your county and ask directly. If the county program requires citizenship, ask 211 whether any local nonprofits offer information to non-citizens.

What if my landlord will not give me their banking information?

Some programs will pay you directly if the landlord refuses to cooperate, though they usually require written proof that you asked and the landlord declined. Contact the program and ask what documentation they need before you approach your landlord.

Can the program pay for utilities or other bills, or only rent?

Most Pennsylvania programs pay rent only. A few county programs may cover utilities if they are included in your lease or if you can show they are part of your rental obligation, but this varies. Ask when you call.

What if I have already paid back rent out of my own pocket?

Some programs will reimburse you if you have paid recent arrears yourself, but you will need proof — bank statements, cancelled checks, or receipts. Ask the program whether they offer reimbursement and what documentation they need.

Do I have to repay this money?

No. Emergency rental information is a grant, not a loan. You do not have to repay it.