HONOLULU — The City and County of Honolulu is temporarily reopening its Rental and Utility Relief Program for in-person applications to help Oahu renters cope with the cost of housing, according to a news release. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Rental and Utility Relief Program is temporarily reopening for new applicants

  • Eligibility requirements can be found here

  • New applicants must schedule an appointment

  • So far, RURP has helped nearly 20,000 Oahu renters cope with housing costs

The Rental Relief Program will accept applications on Dec. 2 and Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Catholic Charities Hawaii’s Clarence T.C. Ching Campus. 

New applicants must schedule an appointment by calling one of these numbers:

“The Rental and Utility Relief Program has lifted up our neighbors and our economy for more than two years,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “It has helped nearly 20,200 families stay safely housed and prevented thousands of unnecessary evictions. We are grateful we can continue helping renters with short-term financial aid.”

The City plans to hold more events in the future. Check the RURP’s website for information. 

The program provides six months of rent and utility assistance. The City encourages new applicants to review eligibility information on the RURP website’s FAQ page.

Renters should bring the following documents to the in-person appointments:

  • Photo ID card for head of household (driver’s license, State ID card, or a passport).
  • Signed Social Security card and income documents for household members over 18.
  • Proof of financial hardship since March 13, 2020.
  • Valid rent agreement.
  • Late rent and/or utility bills, or eviction notice.

According to the City and County of Honolulu, the Rental and Utility Relief Program launched in April 2021 and has since helped over 20,000 Oahu families struggling with housing expenses. The current round of applicants will be funded by $25 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds that were approved by the Honolulu City Council on Feb. 22, 2023. 

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