If you’re renting in Saint Paul and you’ve received an eviction notice, there may be help available. The city’s Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERA) can provide up to $3,500 toward late rent and associated fees, with the payment going directly to your landlord.
This isn’t a general rent subsidy, and simply being behind on rent isn’t enough to qualify. The program is specifically designed for Saint Paul renters facing a pending eviction after an unforeseen event. Applications are also handled through a monthly lottery, so here’s what you need to know before applying.
What Saint Paul’s Emergency Rent Assistance Program Covers
Saint Paul’s Emergency Rent Assistance Program provides a one-time payment of up to $3,500 per household. A household can receive ERA assistance only once within a 12-month period.
The money is paid directly to the landlord and can be used for late rent and associated fees.
The program does not cover:
- Hotel stays
- Mortgage payments
- An ordinary late-rent notice without the required eviction documentation
The program is intended for renters who experienced an unforeseen event that resulted in a pending eviction.
There’s another important limit to know: if you owe your landlord more than $3,500, your application cannot be approved until the remaining balance owed to the landlord is $3,500 or less.
Who Qualifies for Saint Paul ERA?
Applicants must meet the program’s requirements, including living in a leased residence within Saint Paul city limits and having an active lease.
You must also have evidence of a pending eviction in the form of either:
- A 30-Day Notice to Quit, also described by the city as a notice of intent to evict; OR
- A Housing Court Summons
The program also requires:
- An unforeseen event that resulted in the eviction notice
- Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) for the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area
- No one in the household having received Saint Paul ERA funding during the previous 12 months
- Participation from your landlord in the city’s required landlord application process
Timing matters if you have a Housing Court Summons. If the court date on your summons has already passed before you apply, the city says your application will be denied. An application will also be denied if a WRIT is issued at any time.
If you cannot find a copy of your lease, don’t automatically assume you can’t apply. The city’s FAQ says you can most likely still apply, and program staff may be able to work with your landlord to obtain the necessary information.
How the Monthly Lottery Works
Because of high demand, Saint Paul uses a monthly lottery rather than simply approving applications in the order they’re received.
Under the city’s current schedule:
- Applications open by 9:00 AM on the 1st of each month
- Applications close at 4:30 PM on the 2nd
- Applicants receive their application status on the 4th
Everyone who submits during the application period is entered into the lottery.
Being selected in the lottery does not mean you’ve automatically been approved for the $3,500. The city still has to review your eligibility and documentation, and your landlord must complete their required steps before funding can be issued.
For October 2026, the scheduled application window is:
October 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM through October 2, 2026 at 4:30 PM.
If you miss that window, the city currently opens another application period during the first two days of each month.
How to Apply
1. Make Sure You Live in Saint Paul
This program is specifically for qualifying renters within Saint Paul city limits, not everyone living elsewhere in Ramsey County or the broader Twin Cities metro area.
2. Apply During the Monthly Window
Use the city’s official Emergency Rent Assistance Program page for the current application link and instructions.
Because the application period is short, it’s a good idea to review the requirements and gather your documentation before the window opens.
3. Have Your Eviction Documentation Ready
You’ll need qualifying evidence of a pending eviction, such as your 30-Day Notice to Quit or eligible Housing Court Summons.
The city also requires applicants to document their household income. Review the current ERA application instructions carefully because the required income documentation depends on your circumstances, and adult household members with income must follow the city’s applicable verification requirements.
You should also be prepared to provide information about your lease and the unforeseen event that led to the eviction notice.
4. Make Sure Your Landlord Completes Their Part
The tenant application isn’t the only step.
After you apply, your landlord must complete a separate landlord application before city staff can proceed with reviewing your case.
The landlord will also receive information about setting up a vendor profile through PaymentWorks, the city’s payment system.
Because the assistance is paid directly to the landlord, their participation is important. Make sure the contact information you provide for your landlord is accurate, and consider letting them know to watch for communication from the city.
5. Respond to Follow-Up Requests
Applying doesn’t guarantee assistance, and the city may need additional information before making a final eligibility determination.
Watch for communications about your application and provide requested documentation as quickly as possible.
What If You Don’t Have an Eviction Notice Yet?
If you’re behind on rent but haven’t received a qualifying 30-Day Notice to Quit or Housing Court Summons, this particular program isn’t designed to cover your situation yet.
However, there may be other rental assistance programs that can help before your situation reaches that point.
Our guide to Minnesota rent assistance programs includes additional resources that may have different eligibility requirements.
Relief Recap
Saint Paul’s Emergency Rent Assistance Program can provide up to $3,500 toward late rent and associated fees for qualifying renters facing a pending eviction.
To qualify, you’ll need to meet the program’s income and residency requirements, have the required eviction documentation, and show that an unforeseen event led to the crisis. Your landlord will also need to participate in the application process.
Applications currently open for a short period at the beginning of each month. For the October round, the window is scheduled for October 1 through October 2, 2026.
Because being selected in the lottery does not guarantee funding, it’s also worth reviewing other assistance options. Our Minnesota rent assistance guide can help you find additional programs.
