Here to Help Renters
Renters: We’re here to help you
Fannie Mae is working to provide relief for the millions of renters who’ve been impacted during this difficult time. If you are a renter and you're facing financial challenges as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we want to help.
Explore this page for helpful resources, tips, and information about state and local resources for tenant protection and relief programs.
If you are a homeowner or landlord of a single-family property, check out our homeowners page for more information.
If I am a renter, what financial assistance is available?
If you’re a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs – help may be available. There are still funds available for renters through the American Rescue plan. State and local programs are distributing billions of dollars in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic.
Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Rental Assistance Finder to find out what this means for you and what you can do. The CFPB’s site also includes resources to help renters and landlords understand other resources to help navigate various financial hardships related to the pandemic.
As a renter, how does the federal eviction moratorium ending affect me?
On August 26, 2021, the US Supreme Court struck down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium. With this decision, many renters who were protected by the CDC order may be subject to eviction for nonpayment of rent.
Under the CARES Act, renters in a property with a mortgage backed by Fannie Mae who are facing eviction for nonpayment of rent must be given at least 30 days’ notice to vacate the property.
How do I know if Fannie Mae has financed the apartment complex I live in?
Use our Renters Resource finder to see if you are living in a property with a loan backed by Fannie Mae. If your building is financed by Fannie Mae, you may have additional protections in place as a tenant living there.
To use our Renters Resource finder, you will simply need to enter your building’s address, including city, state, and ZIP code.
What is Fannie Mae’s Disaster Response Network and how can it help me?
Fannie Mae's Disaster Response Network™ is here to help you if you have been impacted by a natural disaster or a difficult circumstance like COVID-19 where you may be facing significant housing, financial, and emotional challenges.
Call our Disaster Response Network directly at 877-303-7622 for support, and get access to:
- HUD-approved housing counselors.
- Federal and state rental assistance information.
- Guidance on unemployment benefits, nutritional assistance, and any other available programs.
- Nonlegal support in communicating with landlords.
- Assistance with FEMA and insurance claims after a natural disaster.
For additional help visit consumerfinance.gov/renthelp for more information on state and local rental assistance programs that may be available to help you cover up to 18 months of rent, utilities, or other housing-related costs.
How do I talk to my landlord?
Communication is key: Starting a conversation with your landlord
If you are a renter living in an apartment or other multifamily rental housing with five or more units and you're facing financial challenges as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we want to help. Talk to your landlord to find out what housing assistance options might be available. Here are some tips that can help you reach an understanding:
Be candid about your situation. Share how your income has been affected.
Mention any resources and assistance options you’ve found.
Ask about payment arrangements, such as a temporary rent reduction.
Explain how your family would be impacted by being evicted.
Keep any email and text conversations and make notes of when you spoke in person.
Remember that your landlord may also be experiencing challenges during this time.
Try to communicate your situation clearly but also calmly.
Resources
HUD.gov
The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s response to COVID-19.
Mobile App
Our new app provides relief options and resources for renters.
HUD Discrimination Complaint Page
File a discrimination complaint with HUD if you believe you were evicted because of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, familial status, or national origin.
Disclaimer: Fannie Mae makes no representations, warranties or promises for, and disclaims any express or implied warranties related to, the contents of third-party web sites.