North Carolina Rental Assistance Grants for 2025: Eligibility & How to Apply

As a renter in North Carolina, staying on top of your housing expenses can be tough — especially if you’re facing hardships like job loss, rising rents, or unexpected bills. Fortunately, the state offers a variety of rental assistance grants as part of its efforts to ensure housing stability for residents. If you’re looking for up-to-date information on these resources for 2025, this article explains what’s available, how to apply, and key legal protections you should know about.

Overview of Rental Assistance Grants in North Carolina

Rental assistance grants provide financial help to eligible renters struggling to pay rent or facing possible eviction. In North Carolina, these programs are coordinated through state and local agencies, relying on federal and state funds. You don’t need to repay a grant—it’s not a loan, but a temporary lifeline in times of need.

Main Programs for 2025

• North Carolina Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NC ERAP): NC ERAP continues in 2025, offering payments for overdue and upcoming rent, utilities, and certain housing costs to eligible tenants. Benefits are usually paid directly to your landlord or utility company. See details at the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
• Local Housing Authorities and County Relief Grants: Some cities and counties, such as Mecklenburg and Wake, also provide their own rental grant options. Always check your local housing authority for updated grant programs. Find local agency housing resources.
• Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): For renters facing high energy bills, LIEAP offers a one-time annual payment to help with heating costs. Full info here.

Each program has its own eligibility rules, funding source, and application process—be sure to review details for your county or city.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for most rental assistance grants in North Carolina, you generally need to:

• Rent a home, apartment, or mobile home in North Carolina
• Meet income limits, usually based on your household’s size and area median income (AMI)—typically less than 80% of AMI
• Show a risk of housing instability, such as a past-due rent notice or documented financial hardship
• Have a lease agreement or rental contract

Local programs may have different or additional requirements, so it’s important to review any information from your local housing authority or county program.

Official Forms for Rental Assistance

Applying for rental assistance usually requires you, as the tenant, to fill out certain official forms, often online.

• NC ERAP Application (no number): Use this form if you’re applying for help with rent or utilities through the statewide NC Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Provides your household, income, and hardship information.
  Practical example: Maria, who lost income due to reduced work hours, fills out this application to cover two months of overdue rent.
  Apply here at NC ERAP Official Site.
• Proof of Hardship Declaration (as required): Some programs ask for a signed written statement (declaration), often part of the main application, describing your hardship (like job loss or illness).
  Practical example: Ben includes a letter explaining his loss of income after medical bills, as required for Wake County’s local relief.
• W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (IRS Form W-9): Used if funds are to be paid directly to your landlord; your landlord submits this form to the program.
  Practical example: If NC ERAP will pay your landlord for your back rent, your landlord will likely need to provide a completed W-9.
  Download IRS Form W-9.

Check your local program’s requirements, as the documentation needed can change.

Renters’ Rights and Legal Protections

While applying, you are protected by state laws that prevent landlords from retaliating against tenants for seeking rental assistance. For example, North Carolina law restricts a landlord’s ability to evict or raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising their rights or participating in official programs.

Key legal protections and rules include:

• The North Carolina Landlord-Tenant Act sets standards for rental agreements, habitability, security deposits, and eviction.
• During your grant application, you can ask for written confirmation from the agency processing your form to share with your landlord.
• If you are threatened with eviction, you may have the right to a hearing through your county court. The official tribunal is the North Carolina Civil District Court.

Always keep copies of all application forms, notices, and communications with your landlord and housing agency for your records.

What If You Face Eviction While Applying?

If you are applying for rental assistance and your landlord begins the eviction process, inform the court and landlord that you are seeking help. You may be able to pause proceedings while your grant application is reviewed.

How to Apply for Rental Assistance Grants in North Carolina (2025)

Follow these general steps to apply for a rental assistance grant in 2025:

• Check eligibility and gather required information (proof of income, lease, ID, current bills, proof of hardship)
• Visit the NC ERAP website or your county housing authority website
• Fill out the online application form and upload supporting documents
• Ask your landlord to provide any forms if direct payment is needed (often a W-9)
• Track your application status; follow up if you have not heard back within the stated time
• If denied, review the reason and file an appeal if eligible

If you face difficulties accessing the application, local libraries or community centers often provide free internet and assistance.

FAQ: North Carolina Rental Assistance for 2025

1. Who qualifies for rental assistance grants in North Carolina?
   Most programs require renters to meet income limits, show a risk of housing instability, and have a qualifying hardship such as job or wage loss.
2. How are rental assistance grants paid out?
   Usually, funds are sent directly to landlords or utility providers, covering past due or upcoming rent and eligible bills.
3. Can I still apply if I have already received rental assistance previously?
   In many cases, yes—but there may be limits on the total months of assistance you can receive across all programs.
4. What happens if my landlord refuses to participate?
   You can still apply. If your landlord refuses direct payment, some programs may issue payment directly to you.
5. Where do I go for an eviction hearing?
   Eviction cases are handled by the North Carolina Civil District Court; your court notice will have your specific hearing location and date.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Carolina Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NC ERAP)
• North Carolina Civil District Court: Housing/Eviction Help Topics
• Legal Aid of North Carolina | Housing: Free legal advice or representation for qualifying tenants
• North Carolina Housing Finance Agency: Local Housing Authority Directory
• LIEAP: Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

---

1. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: NC Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NC ERAP)
2. North Carolina Judicial Branch, Housing/Eviction Process: Eviction Information
3. North Carolina Housing Legislation: North Carolina Landlord-Tenant Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 42)
4. Legal Aid of North Carolina: Tenant Help Resources
5. IRS.gov: Form W-9

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations