​Emergency rental assistance is now available for Marion County households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Marion County Emergency Rental Assistance Program helps eligible low-income households with their past due rent and utilities. The program covers up to 12 months of past due rent and utilities and may pay up to three months of forward rent at a time, not to exceed a total of 18 months of assistance. Past due rent must be paid before future rent coverage is eligible. Utility costs include electricity, gas, home energy services, water, sewer, trash removal, and bulk fuels. 

Community members may apply online at www.co.marion.or.us/RentalAssistance or by calling the customer service line toll free 1-833-227-5161.

Eligible landlords who participate in the Emergency Rental Assistance program can get reimbursed for 100 percent of an eligible tenant's unpaid rent from April 1, 2020, to present for a total of 12 months.

Eligible tenants can apply for 100 percent of the past due rent from April 1, 2020, to present for a total of 12 months, which will be paid directly to their landlord. Eligible tenants can receive prospective (future) rental assistance equal to 100 percent of their monthly rent for up to three months at a time. Eligible tenants may also receive assistance for unpaid utility bills accumulated from April 1, 2020, to present. Unpaid utility bills will be paid directly to the utility company.

Federal eligibility requirements include renters whose primary household is in Marion County and are behind on their rent; one or more members of the household can demonstrate how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their ability to pay rent or utilities; and an annual household income below 80 percent of the Area Median Income for the household size.

In addition to federal eligibility requirements, Marion County has prioritized the following households:

• Families with children (at least one adult and one child)

• Seniors (age 58 years or older)

• Households affected by the 2020 Santiam Canyon wildfires

• Households referred by Marion County department programs
  

The federal Emergency Rental Assistance program is authorized through September 2025. Marion County anticipates participating in the program as long as funding is available. For more information or to apply for assistance, visit www.co.marion.or.us/RentalAssistance.