Louisiana REALTORS® Rental Assistance Update
Louisiana REALTORS • January 19, 2021
In late December 2020, federal legislation was passed to allocate $25 billion nationwide to be utilized for rental and utility payments for those adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These dollars are not yet available as there are still several details that need to be worked out by both the federal and state government regarding how to disperse the funds.
Louisiana REALTORS® is in consultation with Governor John Bel Edwards’ office to ensure property owners’ positions are communicated as the program to disperse these funds is developed, and LR will serve as a resource to the administration moving forward. The Governor’s office has assured Louisiana REALTORS® that its focus will be on providing rental payments rather than utility payments (which is authorized by the federal legislation).
Louisiana anticipates receiving $308 million of the $25 billion, according to guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department. According to Gov. John Bel Edwards' office, the state's share of the money will be administered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation in less populated areas and by local government where there is a parish population of 200,000 or more. Those parishes include Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, East Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Caddo and Calcasieu.
The U.S. Treasury Department released a helpful document on January 19, 2021, to address many frequently asked questions about the program. Please see below. While this gives beneficial information, there are still many unknowns about how the program will work.
Please check back here regularly; we will provide updates on this topic as useful information is made available.

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