Renter Utility Relief Program

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Renter Utility Relief Program

The City of St. Petersburg has funding to help St. Pete renters pay past due electric, sanitation, and water bills with the Renter Utility Relief Program. The City has allocated $3 million to assist eligible renters with their utility costs from the City of St. Petersburg and Duke Energy. Awarded funds will be applied directly to the recipient’s utility account balance, to cover up to 18 months of utility bills.

The Renter Utility Relief Program is a continuation of funding allocated by the Department of Treasury during COVID-19 formerly known as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program which dispersed $7,233,710 between April 2021 and July 2022 to assist St. Pete households in need.

Eligibility

  • Applicant is a renter within St. Pete city limits or a landlord whose utility costs are part of a rental agreement
  • Renter has experienced financial hardship from COVID-19 (inflation is sufficient)
  • Renter is at risk of housing instability or homelessness
  • Renter household is at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) – AMI information can be found at www.stpete.org/incomelimits

How to Apply

Apply below in the application portal. In the application portal, applicants will need to apply for assistance for City of St. Petersburg (water, trash, recycling) and Duke Energy (electric) utility costs separately.

Apply Here: City of St. Petersburg Utilities (Water, Trash, Recycling)

Apply Here: Duke Energy Utilities (Electric)

Application Requirements:

  • Applicant information such as address, contact information, and utility account number
  • Attestation to St. Pete residency
  • Attestation to risk of housing instability
  • Attestation to hardship and risk
  • Attestation to tenant status
  • Attestation to income and demographic information
  • Acknowledgment of Understanding
  • Acknowledgment of Penalty

Get in Touch

For Renter Utility Relief Program questions related to City of St. Petersburg utility services (water, trash, recycling), email WaterAssistance@stpete.org or call 727-893-7341.

For Renter Utility Relief Program questions related to Duke Energy utility services (electric), email ERAPAppeals@stpete.org.