Behind on rent? Here’s what struggling Americans need to know

For the 8.8 million Americans who are behind on rent, a breakdown of what’s available, who qualifies and where to get help.

An estimated 8.8 million Americans are behind on their rent, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. While relief efforts have staved off some of the housing crisis, rent is still going to come due. The United States federal government has approved two rounds of rental assistance, worth more than $46bn total, that is slowly making its way to renters. Additionally, the federal eviction moratorium has been extended to the end of June. But avoiding eviction does not erase any rent owed. Assessments vary, but the Urban Institute estimates that renters owe anywhere from $13.2bn to $52.6bn in back rent.