Application Eligibility
We built this program for households ready to commit to themselves, their goals, and the work it takes to get there!
Based on the recipients who've had the most success in our program so far, here is what we look for:
Minimum eligibility requirements:
Have an active lease within the City of Atlanta limits.
Household income falls between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the City of Atlanta (as defined here)
At least one adult in the household has held a full-time job for at least one year.
Monthly rent is around $2,000 or less. Your rent and utilities are no more than 50% of your monthly income.
Experienced a recent, unexpected hardship (i.e., medical expenses, family crisis, natural disaster).
Selected participants commit to actively engaging in FreeRent’s financial education and savings programs to strengthen their long-term financial stability.
Supporting materials applicants will submit: Government-issued photo ID, lease, rent ledger, proof of income, hardship documentation, a short video (90 seconds) telling us about yourself and your goals
2027 Cohort Application Timeline
1
Step 1: Information Session
Join us on September 30th, 2026, at 12 pm to learn about the program and how to apply.
2
Step 2: Eligibility Screening
October 5th - October 12th
The formal process starts with an eligibility screening.
Submit an eligibility form between October 5th at 12 pm EST through October 12th at 5 pm EST.
3
Step 3: Invitation to Submit Full Application
After reviewing the Eligibility Screening, we will invite qualified applicants to complete a full application. The invitation will come via email from a @freerent.org email address.
4
Step 4: Interviews
Selected applicants will be invited to a first-round interview with the FreeRent team.
A smaller group of finalists will move forward to a second interview with the FreeRent team and the review committee.
5
Step 5: Soft Credit & Background Checks
Finalists will complete a background check, a soft credit check (no impact to your credit), and employment verification.
6
Step 6: 2027 Cohort Selected
By December 2026, we will notify the households selected for the 2027 Cohort.
The official program will begin in January 2027 with a mandatory program orientation, and the first rent payment will be due in February 2027.