IndyRent returns with an eviction prevention focus

The IndyRent program will return and move forward as an eviction prevention program.

IndyRent was launched at the height of the pandemic. At the time, anyone who was impacted by COVID-19 and at risk of losing housing could apply. The program used federal relief funds and ended up distributing more than $178 million to 60,000 recipients.

Last year the effort paused, but city leaders said they wanted to bring back a permanent program.  Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said Indianapolis is committed to IndyRent.

“IndyRent was one of the earliest and best-funded programs of its kind in the country during the pandemic, keeping tens of thousands from losing homes,” Hogsett said. “As reassuring as that was for individuals, reducing the number of evictions greatly benefits our entire community. Today’s announcement charts a path for IndyRent to become a permanent resource.”

Democratic mayoral candidate and State Representative Robin Shackleford accused Hogsett of playing politics by announcing the program one week out from Election Day. In a release she said it was a worthy program that should not have stopped.

“I’m happy for the citizens of Indianapolis struggling to pay their rent in the wake of the pandemic that it has been revived,” Shackleford said, “However, it is important to note the Hogsett Administration is taking credit for something that would not have been possible without federal dollars eight days before the primary.”

There is $6.7 million available for this round. People who want to apply must have an eviction case number and meet income requirements.

The city says the new application is shorter and more user-friendly. People who want to apply will have to submit a new application even if they’ve received assistance from IndyRent in the past. More than 4,000 individuals on a waitlist will receive an email alert when the program reopens.

Community centers that have partnered with the city in the past will do so again and include the John Boner Neighborhood Centers, Indianapolis Urban League, Edna Martin Christian Center, Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE), Hawthorne Community Center, and Community Action of Greater Indianapolis.

Indianapolis has high eviction rates in part because of state laws that favor landlords and limited tenant rights.

The program will reopen Thursday, April 27.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.