Missouri governor signs $324M rent assistance bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday signed a bill to provide more than $324 million in federal funding to Missouri renters and landlords struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

The money comes from a federal program that Congress passed in December aimed at helping tenants who have fallen behind on rent and face eviction.

Both Missouri landlords and tenants can apply for aid under the program, which is administered by the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

Renters can use the money to pay past due rent or to help pay future rent costs for up to a one-year period. The money can also be spent on utility expenses including gas, water and electricity.