Am I Eligible?
The statewide RentHelpHennepin program is no longer accepting applications. Some county and city governments have separate programs available for their residents via this application system. Program(s) currently accepting applications: The Stable Housing Initiative (Muslim Family Services of Ohio ERA 1), The Stable Housing Initiative (Columbus Literacy Council ERA 2), The Stable Housing Initiative (Gladden Community House ERA 2), The Stable Housing Initiative (Somali Community Association of Ohio ERA 2), The Stable Housing Initiative (CMHA ERA1), 2023 The Stable Housing Initiative City of Columbus, The Stable Housing Initiative (Make A Day), The Stable Housing Initiative (Homes for Pregnant Women), 2024 The Stable Housing Initiative City of Columbus, HDS Intership, CUL Housing, MN Test, Step Forward, Impact, Clackamas, Sabathani.FHPAP, You have past due rent., You have school aged children and are not on a lease.
Help, I Don't Qualify Check My Status
Having Trouble Paying Your Utilities or Rent?
We're Here to Help.
The MN Test works to help renters get the assistance they need to avoid utility shutoff or eviction. The MN Test is administered by the Minnesota Housing (MHFA).
Am I Eligible?
You may qualify if you can answer yes to the following questions.
- Does your household income meet the program's limits?
- Are you a renter household?
- Has someone in your household (1) qualified for unemployment or (2) had a decrease in income or increase in expenses due to Covid-19?
- Is someone in your household at risk for housing instability or homelessness?
How Much Assistance is Available?
Every household's situation is different, so the amount of assistance you may receive will be specific to your needs.
Please have all your information and documents ready to ensure faster processing of your application. An application will not begin the review process until all information has been received.
If you are requesting rental assistance, make sure the amount you request will be accepted by your landlord. If they challenge the amount, it can delay your application's processing.
How Can the MN Test Help Me?
Depending on your circumstances, The MN Test may:
- Bring your delinquent rent or utility bill(s) current.
- Pay up to 3 months of future rent.
- Provide a stipend for internet.
How Do I Apply?
After you answer the prequalifying questions, you must complete an application for assistance and provide documentation.
What Happens Next?
If you qualify for rent assistance, MN will request approval from your landlord/property manager. If your landlord/property manager approves, MN will send payments directly to them to bring your rent current.
If you qualify for utility assistance, the MN will work with your utility company(ies). If your utility company(ies) approve, MN will send payments directly to them to bring your utilities current.
If you qualify for internet assistance, MN will send you an internet stipend.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
MHFA works with nonprofit groups and does not charge a fee for its services. Beware of calls and other solicitations from companies offering to assist you in return for payment.
FAX: (952) 285-2318
MAILING ADDRESS:
ATTN: MN Test
RenthelpMN Document Services, 3745 Louisiana Ave. S
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
MN provides assistance on a fair and equal basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, disability or ancestry. Please visit https://www.columbus.gov/ for more information.
What does it mean to be "ready to upload"?
- Your documentation meets the date and content requirements;
-
You have your documentation available as a legible:
- High resolution scan as a Jpeg, PNG, or PDF;
- High resolution photo as a Jpeg or PNG;
- Downloaded PDF from the original document provider
- You have either an email address or a cell phone number capable of receiving texts (data and messaging rates from your provider apply);
Below is a sample cropping of the same document:
Pinch to zoom in.
If you do not have the ability to get digital copies of your documents - you can:
FAX:
WATER UTILITY FAX: (440) 398-8081
MAILING ADDRESS:
ATTN: MN Test
Columbus, OH 43215.
Be sure to include your application number on your fax cover sheet
We're sorry, but you do not qualify for the The MN Test program.
Based on the answer(s) you have provided in the prequalification questionnaire, unfortunately you do not qualify for our program.
Help, I don't qualify.If you feel you reached this in error, please call us at and we can help clarify any questions.
Documentation Checklist
Please make sure you have copies of all your required documents ready for uploading or for faxing or mailing:
To apply for MN Test (MN), Applicants must submit identification documentation and documentation of the MN Eligibility Criteria. Examples of acceptable documentation are described below. Additional information, a complete list of the acceptable documentation requirements, and all forms are described and included in the MN application.
- Identification for the Head of Household
- Examples - driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, Department of Homeland Security document
- Proof of Rental Householder
- Examples - written lease or other acceptable documentation outlined in the MN Application
- Additional documentation is required for applicants who rent from a family member
- Proof of Residency for Head of Household (address must match rental property address)
- Examples - driver’s license, current utility bill, 2020 W-2
- Proof of Income Eligibility
- May provide documentation on an annual or monthly basis as explained in the MN application
- Examples – 2020 Tax Return, pay stubs, unemployment benefits statements
- Proof that Since March 13, 2020, at Least One Member of the Household has Either: (1) Qualified for Unemployment, or (2) Experienced a Reduction in Household Income, Incurred Significant Costs, or Experienced other Financial Hardship Due Directly or Indirectly to the Pandemic.
- Self-Certification Form must be completed and signed by Head of Household
- Proof that Since March 13, 2020, at Least one Member of the Household Can Demonstrate a Risk of Experiencing Homelessness or Housing Instability
- Examples – past due utility or rent notice, eviction notice
- A copy of the Past Due Utility Bills for the Utilities you are Requesting Assistance For, if any. (Electric, Gas, Water, Sewer, Trash, Other Energy Costs-such as Propane, Fuel Oil)