Emergency Rent Relief Options for Wisconsin Renters

If you are a Wisconsin renter struggling to pay rent, experiencing a sudden financial hardship, or at risk of eviction, there are official emergency rent relief programs that may be able to help you stay in your home. This guide breaks down what emergency rent assistance is, how you can apply, and the steps you should take right away if you're behind on rent in Wisconsin.

Understanding Emergency Rent Relief in Wisconsin

Emergency rent relief programs are designed to help renters who face financial difficulties due to job loss, illness, or other unexpected events. These programs can cover overdue rent, utility bills, and sometimes even future payments for those at risk of eviction.

What is Available for Wisconsin Renters?

Wisconsin's primary emergency rent assistance is provided through the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA) Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration. WERA offers help with:

• Past-due rent
• Current and up to three months’ future rent
• Late utility and home energy costs

Funds are paid directly to landlords and utility companies on your behalf.

Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Eligibility for Wisconsin emergency rent relief is largely based on income, COVID-19-related hardship (if applicable), and risk of housing instability. Specific requirements may vary by region or administering agency.

• Your household income generally must be below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
• You must show financial hardship or risk of homelessness/eviction.

Applications are processed by local agencies across Wisconsin. To begin, visit the official WERA webpage and select your county or tribe for local contact information.

Key Forms for Wisconsin Renters

• WERA Application Form:
  Access the application here.
  How it’s used: Required to start your request for rent assistance. You'll need to attach documents like an ID, proof of income, and a copy of your lease.
• Notice to Vacate/Eviction Notice:
  If you receive an eviction notice (often called a "5-Day Notice to Pay or Quit"), you should act immediately to apply for rent relief and contact legal assistance. While there is no state-wide application for contesting eviction, information on responses can be found on the Wisconsin Court System eviction self-help page.

Action Steps: How to Get Emergency Rent Relief

Getting help quickly can make the difference in avoiding eviction. Here are the recommended steps:

• Collect recent documents (lease, past due bills, proof of income, ID).
• Fill out and submit the official WERA application for your area.
• Let your landlord know you are applying for rent assistance and provide an update once you submit.
• Respond promptly to requests for additional information from the local agency.
• If you are served with an eviction notice, review eviction procedures and seek legal help right away.

Your Rights and the Role of State Agencies

Wisconsin renters’ rights and emergency rental assistance are protected by the Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 - Landlord and Tenant.¹ The state's housing programs are overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Administration Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources. Eviction cases go through the Wisconsin Circuit Courts under local jurisdiction.²

FAQ: Wisconsin Renters and Emergency Assistance

1. What should I do if I receive an eviction notice but have applied for rent relief?
   Notify your landlord in writing that you have applied for emergency rent relief. Provide proof of your application, and contact your local rental assistance agency. This may delay or stop the eviction process if payment is forthcoming.
2. Can rent relief help with utility payments too?
   Yes. The Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance program can also cover late utility bills such as electricity, water, and heating.
3. Do I pay taxes on emergency rental assistance funds?
   No, the assistance is paid directly to landlords or utility companies, and it is not considered taxable income for renters.
4. How do I prove I’m eligible for rent relief?
   Gather documents such as pay stubs, unemployment notices, past-due bills, and your lease to verify income and hardship when applying.

Key Takeaways for Wisconsin Renters

• Apply for rent relief immediately if you’re behind on rent to avoid eviction.
• Keep all key documents ready and respond quickly to agency requests.
• Know your rights under Wisconsin landlord-tenant law.

Applying for emergency rent assistance in Wisconsin can be straightforward if you gather the right documents and act quickly. Understanding your rights helps you protect your home and avoid unnecessary hardship.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA)
• Wisconsin Circuit Court Eviction Self-Help
• Wisconsin Landlord-Tenant Guide
• Legal Action of Wisconsin – Free Legal Help

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1. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant
2. Wisconsin Circuit Court Eviction Cases

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