Behind on your rent? We may be able to help.
Opportunity Council administers the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance program for residents in Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties. All other Washington State counties are served by Department of Commerce partners.
Learn more about how to apply for assistance in your county here.
Rental Assistance Program ASL Video
News Bulletin
- Whatcom: We are preparing to open a new eviction prevention rental assistance program serving low-income households who have received a pay or vacate notice and are at risk of becoming homeless. Services will include housing-focused case management and temporary rent subsidies to help households maintain housing and avoid homelessness. Please check back in July for updates on screening and scheduling.
- Whatcom: Federal Rental Assistance is now closed in Whatcom County. All funds have been allocated.
- Whatcom: Appointments booked for the wrong county will be canceled. Please do not book in San Juan County appointments.
- San Juan: Appointments remain available, please check below.
- Eviction Defense Screening Line through the Northwest Justice Project: 1-855-657-8387
The first step to getting help with rent payments is to complete the screening process for the county you live in. This process will help determine if you are eligible for Federal Rental Assistance or if you may qualify for other housing assistance in your community. Learn more about who qualifies for rental assistance here.
Eligibility for rental assistance
Eligibility for rental assistance is based on the total household income and current payment status. To qualify for help, you must:
- Have a total household income that is no more than 80% of the area median income for the county of residence.
- Be behind on rent payments
Household Income Requirements
Income requirements are based on the county of residence and calculated based on Area Median Income – the median household income for that area as determined by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. To qualify for the current Opportunity Council Rental Assistance Program, the applicant’s total household income cannot be more than 80% of the Area Median Income for a household of the same size.
Required Documents
When applying for rental assistance, you may need to provide documentation verifying your household income and current rental agreement. You will also need to show that you are behind on rent and/or meet other eligibility criteria. Please be sure to gather the correct documents prior to your appointment.
Legal Help
If you have questions regarding your rights as a tenant or if you have received an eviction notice and have questions, please contact legal aid or go online for information on your options.
Dispute Resolution
If you have received an eviction notice for non-payment of rent, you should receive a flyer for the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP). It is important to contact your local Dispute Resolution Center immediately to participate in the program or you risk being evicted without having a chance to participate in mediation. If you receive an eviction notice for no-payment of rent and DO NOT receive the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) flyer, you should contact the Eviction Defense Screening Line at 1-855-657-8387 to discuss your options. Dispute Resolution Centers may also offer help to improve communication, increase understanding, negotiating payment or repayment plans, discuss deposits and move out timelines, address lease agreements and other related issues, and empower parties to determine their own solutions. Please click on your county below for the Dispute Resolution Center serving your county.
Rental Assistance Policy Forms
Please click on the forms below for our Notice of Privacy Practices and Grievance Policy. If you need the forms translated in another language, please email info@nulloppco.org.
Grievance Policy for Rental and Utility Assistance Programs
Grievance Policy for Rental and Utility Assistance Programs-Español
Grievance Policy for Rental and Utility Assistance Programs-Pусский
Whatcom, Island and San Juan county’s rent assistance program is currently operational per Proclamation 21-09.
This project was supported by a grant awarded by US Department of the Treasury. Points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the US Department of the Treasury. Grant funds are administered by the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund thru the Washington State Department of Commerce.