Wyoming ERAP | Everything You Need to Know

All U.S. states, including Wyoming, were affected heavily by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the case of the housing market, both landlords and tenants started to experience economic instability, leading to constant frustration and hopelessness among the general public.

Thanks to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which is a U.S. Treasury initiative passed back in 2021, Wyoming received about $352 million to help those in need cover their rent and/or utility payments.

Learn more about ERAP in Wyoming and how to verify eligibility for the program in this guide!

Disclaimer: Wyoming's ERAP officially closed on June 30, 2023. This means that it's not currently accepting new applications. Due to the volatile nature of the pandemic, it's possible that this could change in the future.

What Is ERAP in Wyoming?

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) was first developed by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Then, it was expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The program was meant to help eligible households cover unpaid rent and other expenses to prevent further financial loss.

There were many community-based organizations in every Wyoming county ready to help people get the necessary assistance throughout their application process.

If the request got approved, eligible households could cover rent, housing stability services, and utilities.

How Does ERAP Work in Wyoming?

Thanks to federal funding, Wyoming households could get assistance with certain payments, specifically:

• Unpaid rent
• Future rent
• Utility payments (electricity, oil, water/sewer, etc.)
• Reasonable relocation expenses
• Reasonable late fees
• Security deposits

According to the Wyoming Department of Family Services, the flexibility offered by the program gave people the opportunity to "get back up on their feet and keep a roof over their heads."

There were two main eras for ERAP. ERAP1 (or ERA1) was the one designed by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The government provided $25 billion at the time to provide financial assistance to those in need.

Then, ERAP2 was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which provided further assistance and more flexibility for eligible applicants.

How Does ERAP Benefit Landlords in Wyoming?

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program in Wyoming helped renters cover their rental and utility payments for certain periods. This measure indirectly helped landlords secure their profits during these times of financial hardship.

What Is the Role of the Landlord in the ERAP?

Landlords had the responsibility of working with their tenants to ensure the application process went smoothly. This included verifying the tenant's claims and uploading the necessary documents.

Who Is Eligible for ERAP in Wyoming?

Those eligible for ERAP in Wyoming included:

• People who rented their home, owed rent on a previous residence, or were homeless.
• People who had a gross household income of 80% (or less) of the area's median income.
• People who received unemployment benefits or experienced financial loss during COVID-19.
• People who faced housing instability or homelessness.

Can Tenants That Are Already on Government Housing Plans Apply to ERAP in Wyoming?

There's no clear information about this, as the program has already stopped (at the time of writing this).

However, it's possible that tenants on other housing plans, including Section 8 Housing, had access to ERAP, as long as they reported that extra financial assistance in their application.

How People Could Apply for ERAP in Wyoming

The process to apply went as follows:

• Gather the necessary documents for both the landlord and tenant.
• File the application online or by contacting 1-877-996-3727.
• Monitor the application status from the online portal.
• Receive funding (if the application got approved).

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As landlords and property managers, it's essential that we have the best tools to communicate with our tenants, learn more about the market, and monitor our leases efficiently. This is where DoorLoop comes in.

DoorLoop is an all-in-one property management platform that gives you the necessary tools to promote a healthier and more efficient rental relationship with your tenant. Moreover, the platform provides you with several resources to help you learn more about Wyoming's rental market.

If you're interested in how DoorLoop can help you manage your property, request a demo today!