Rental Assistance

The Issaquah COVID-19 Recovery Rental Assistance Program provides up to three (3) months of overdue rent per household to be used toward rental arrears to moderate, low, or very low-income households, at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI), impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2021, Issaquah City Council approved $500,000 in emergency rental assistance funds to help assist the community recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in anticipation of the statewide moratorium ending on October 31, 2021. The City of Issaquah is contracting with Hopelink as the non-profit partner to implement the Rental Assistance Program. 

Eligibility

  • Current residents of Issaquah (98027 and 98029) 
  • Households meeting income eligibility requirements of moderate, low, or very low income (at or below 80% of the area median income, which equates to $90,500 per year for a household of four)
  • Please see below the 2021 Area Median Income (AMI) guidelines. Demonstrated need of temporary financial assistance because of the impact caused by COVID-19

2021 King County Area Median Income (AMI) Guidelines including Family Size

  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
30%
Very Low Income		 $24,300 $27,800 $31,250 $34,700 $37,500 $40,300 $43,050 $45,850
50% Low Income $40,500 $46,300 $52,100 $57,850 $62,500 $67,150 $71,750 $76,400
80% Moderate Income $63,350 $72,400 $81,450 $90,500 $97,750 $105,000 $112,250 $119,500
100% Median Income $81,000 $92,600 $104,150 $115,700 $125,000 $134,250 $143,500 $152,750

Household Requirements

  • A copy of the rental lease agreement or proof of regular recurring rent payments
  • Proof of outstanding back rent owed since March 3, 2020. No payment shall be made directly to residents
  • Self-attestation of COVID impacts on housing stability 
  • Self-attestation noting that rental assistance provided to an eligible household cannot duplicate assistance provided to the household from any other source. Both landlords and tenants must self-attest to not duplicate funding

How to Apply

  • Call Bellevue Hopelink 425-943-7555 and indicate you are inquiring about the Issaquah Rental Assistance Program; or
  • Apply online here

Additional Rental Assistance Resources

  • Issaquah Community Services – Provides emergency financial assistance for utilities and rent 
    • Contact: 425-837-3125 or email; Online application here
  • St. Vincent de Paul – Provides emergency financial assistance for utilities and rent 
    • Contact: 206-767-6449, M-F, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Online application here

Mortgage Assistance

  • Homeowners with FHA, USDA, VA, or Section 184 or 184A mortgages (for members of federally-recognized tribes) and those with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac have the right to request forbearance on their payments for up to 6 months, with a possible extension for another 6 months without fees, penalties, or extra interest. Homeowners should contact their mortgage servicing company directly
  • Washington home-ownership hotline at 877-894-HOME
  • St. Vincent de Paul can provide mortgage assistance on a case-by-case basis, for more information call the helpline Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 206-767-6449

For additional resources and COVID relief programs, including utility assistance please check here.