City Makes $45,000 Available for Rental Assistance

Published on December 12, 2023

Kirkland Rental Risk Assistance Fund.png

Media Contact:
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 587-3021

The City of Kirkland welcomes applicants to its Rental Risk Assistance Fund Program which supports tenants seeking new leases who have barriers such as low credit scores, previous evictions, or have faced bankruptcy. The program provides grants of up to $1,200 directly to residential landlords with eligible tenants to mitigate risk of tenant default.

"Safe and stable housing is critical for individuals and families and the wellbeing of our entire community," said Councilmember Amy Falcone. "The increasing cost of living has been a challenge for many in Kirkland and across the country. The City maintains its commitment to helping keep our community members housed while ensuring housing providers can continue to operate. This program is a way for us to help tenants, housing providers, and the greater Kirkland community by mitigating tenant default."

The City of Kirkland created this program by allocating $45,000 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. The program is dedicated to assisting households and individuals seeking new residential leases in Kirkland. 

To be eligible for the program, Kirkland tenants must meet ONE of the following:

  • Credit score of 650 or below;
  • Bankruptcy filing (Ch. 7, 11, 13 or other on case by case);
  • Previous eviction within the past 7 years; or
  • Prior criminal conviction.

Additionally, eligible tenants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • Seeking a new residential lease in Kirkland starting on or after February 15, 2023;
  • 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); and
  • Tenant agrees to release proof of eligibility info to Program administrators.

To be eligible for the program, a Kirkland landlord must:

  • Have a valid Kirkland business license; and
  • Provide required documentation of tenant eligibility.

Landlords are eligible to receive up to six grants per property for the duration of the program.

Kirkland landlords and tenants who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply and learn more at www.kirklandwa.gov/rentriskfund.

The City partnered with FORWARD to provide program administration, assisting with community outreach, application support, and screening for eligibility. Applicants can expect the following:

  • To apply through FORWARD’s online application portal, available in 68 languages;
  • Access to application support available in multiple languages via phone, text and email; and
  • To submit proof of income and identification.

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