Philly to close emergency rental assistance program due to low funds

Philadelphia is closing its cash-strapped emergency rental assistance program.

Driving the news: The city announced Thursday that it will no longer be accepting applications to the program after Friday at 5pm.

Details: Program officials will continue to review submitted applications until remaining funds are exhausted.

• Landlords and tenants who already applied can still use the PHL Rent Assist database to add any documentation or check their status.

Context: Philadelphia has been on the verge of running out of rental assistance for months.

• Since May 2020, the city distributed more than $248 million to almost 39,000 households facing financial hardship due to the pandemic.
• The latest phase received more than 79,500 applications.

What's next: The city is still waiting to hear back about additional funding from the federal government.

• Any funds that may come will go to applications already in the system.

Of note: The city's eviction diversion program will continue under a new process beginning Monday.

• Landlords still must enroll in the program before filing for an eviction. They can apply through the eviction diversion portal.
• Landlords must send a notice to their tenants spelling out their rights before applying.
• More information will be posted on the portal Monday.