COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Program
Available assistance includes:
- Support for those 80% Area Median Income (AMI) or below
- Utility assistance
- Internet stipend
- Up to 10-12 months of rental support
Under the Federal CARES Act, certain properties are temporarily exempt from eviction for non-payment of rent until July 25, 2020.
The Michigan Supreme Court published a chart to assist both tenants and landlords to understand if their property is covered by the exemption.
If you are facing challenges paying your rent contact the following as soon as possible, before your court date:
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: (734) 481-2000 or mibridges.michigan.gov
Housing Access of Washtenaw County: (734) 961-1999
Housing Bureau for Seniors (age 55+): (734) 998-9339
Washtenaw County Veterans Affairs (veterans): (734) 973-4540
Your landlord
There are special COVID-19 protections for tenants to prevent evictions. To find out if these protections apply to you, or to find out if you have any other legal defenses, contact the following as soon as possible, before your court date:
Legal Services of South Central Michigan: (734) 665-6181 or lsscm.org
Michigan Legal Help: michiganlegalhelp.org
Lawyers Referral Service ($30 fee): (734) 996-3229
Michigan Eviction Diversion Program
The State of Michigan has set up an eviction diversion program in partnership with the courts. The Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) is designed to keep Michigan residents who fell behind on their rent during COVID-19 in their homes. The program utilizes a special court process to get fast rental assistance for renters who have been impacted. Rental assistance in the amount of $50 million is available in the form of lump sum payments to landlords in exchange for allowing tenants to remain in their homes, forgiving late fees and up to 10% of amount due. This is a voluntary process, with the goal of creating a procedural environment that improves outcomes for landlords and tenants.
