Kirkland Rental Risk Assistance Fund – Information for Tenants

The Kirkland Rental Risk Assistance Fund (Program) allocates funding to assist households and individuals seeking new residential leases in the City of Kirkland. The program is intended to help those facing barriers to obtain stable housing. Landlords of qualifying tenants are eligible to apply for funding intended to offset the risk to landlords of tenant default.

Tenants who feel this program may benefit them should provide information about this program to their prospective landlord.

PROGRAM TIMING AND PROCESS

• The program is open to applications by landlords with eligible tenants.
• Grant payments are made to the landlord to offset the risk of tenant default.
• Applications will be accepted starting on or after February 15, 2023.
• The City of Kirkland has partnered with FORWARD to administer the program.
• The program will operate as long as funds remain available, or until the City announces an end date.
• The City of Kirkland reserves the right to alter the eligibility, criteria and details of the program at the City’s sole discretion.

   

TENANT ELIGIBILITY

A tenant may be eligible for the program if they meet ONE of the following criteria:

• Tenant credit score of 650 or below
• Tenant monthly income less than 3x monthly rent
• Tenant bankruptcy filing (Ch. 7, 11, 13 or other to be reviewed case by case)
• Tenant previous eviction within the past 7 years
• Tenant prior criminal conviction

Additionally, the tenant must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Seeking a new residential lease in Kirkland starting on or after February 15, 2023 and within the last 60 days
• Residential lease sought is at least 6 months in duration
• Tenant has an annual household income at/below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
• Tenant agrees to release documentation of eligibility to program administrators