Where to Get Help if You Are Behind on Rent in Louisville

Falling behind on rent can happen to anyone. Whether you've experienced a job loss, unexpected medical expenses, or another financial hardship, there are organizations throughout Louisville that may be able to help with rental assistance, eviction prevention, legal advice, and tenant rights.

If you're worried about missing a rent payment or have already received an eviction notice, it's important to seek help as soon as possible. Many assistance programs have limited funding or require you to apply before your court date.

Rental Assistance Programs in Louisville

Louisville Metro Office of Social Services

Louisville Metro's Office of Social Services connects residents with housing stability programs, rental assistance, case management, Neighborhood Place locations, and other emergency resources for eligible households. Residents can also call Metro311 for help finding programs they qualify for. Utility and Rental Assistance. 

Louisville Metro Housing Authority

The Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) administers the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program and other affordable housing initiatives. While voucher waiting lists may apply, LMHA also provides information about affordable housing opportunities and housing resources throughout Jefferson County.

StopMyEviction.org

The HOPE Assistance program can assist senior and disabled populations living on a fixed-income to reduce household debt to their leasing agent, LG&E, and Louisville Water. 

Neighborhood Place Centers

Neighborhood Place locations throughout Louisville serve as one-stop resource centers where residents can receive assistance with:

• Emergency rental assistance (when funding is available)
• Utility assistance
• Case management
• Benefits enrollment
• Referrals to local nonprofits

Many Neighborhood Place offices can also connect residents to community organizations serving their ZIP code.

Volunteers of America of KY Inc

Volunteers of America Mid-States provides housing stabilization services, eviction prevention assistance, and case management for qualifying households. They are also one of the agencies Louisville recommends for residents facing eviction.

Community Ministries

Louisville has several Community Ministries organizations that may offer emergency rent assistance depending on funding and eligibility. These include:

• Eastern Area Community Ministries
• Highlands Community Ministries
• South Louisville Community Ministries
• Southwest Community Ministries
• West Louisville Community Ministries
• St. Matthews Area Ministries
• Shively Area Ministries
• United Crescent Hill Ministries
• Fern Creek/Highview United Ministries
• J-Town Area Ministries

Louisville Metro refers residents facing eviction to these agencies for emergency assistance when available.

Legal Help and Tenant Rights

If your landlord has filed for eviction, refuses to make necessary repairs, unlawfully locks you out, or violates your lease agreement, free legal help may be available.

Legal Aid Society

The Legal Aid Society is Louisville's primary provider of free civil legal services for qualifying low-income residents. They help with:

• Eviction defense
• Landlord-tenant disputes
• Unsafe living conditions
• Housing code violations
• Security deposit disputes
• Housing discrimination

Louisville Metro specifically recommends contacting Legal Aid as soon as you experience a landlord dispute or receive an eviction notice.

Access Justice

Access Justice hosts free legal clinics where volunteer attorneys answer questions and help residents understand their legal rights. They can also provide referrals when ongoing legal representation is needed.

Louisville Bar Association

If you don't qualify for free legal aid, the Louisville Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service that can connect you with attorneys experienced in landlord-tenant law. 

Know Your Rights as a Tenant

Kentucky law provides tenants with important protections, including rights related to:

• Safe and habitable housing
• Proper eviction procedures
• Security deposits
• Required notice before eviction
• Certain landlord responsibilities for repairs

The Louisville Metro Government also provides a Tenant Resources page with information on tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, Legal Aid, utility assistance, and housing resources.

Tips if You're Behind on Rent

If you're struggling to pay rent:

• Contact your landlord before your payment is late whenever possible.
• Apply for rental assistance immediately, even if you're unsure whether you qualify.
• Keep copies of every notice, email, text message, and payment receipt.
• If you've received an eviction notice, contact Legal Aid immediately—don't wait until your court date.
• Visit a Neighborhood Place location to learn about programs available in your ZIP code.

Financial hardships can happen unexpectedly, but you don't have to navigate them alone. Louisville has a network of nonprofit organizations, housing agencies, legal services, and community partners dedicated to helping renters remain safely housed.

If you're behind on rent or worried about eviction, reaching out early gives you the best chance of accessing available assistance before your situation becomes more serious.