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 | $105,00 | $112,250 | $119,500 |
100% Median Income | $81,000 | $92,600 | $104,150 | $115,700 | $125,00 | $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