City of Reno Launches AB540 Disaster Relief Program to Assist Wildfire-Impacted Households

The City of Reno’s Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department, in partnership with the State of Nevada and regional partners, is launching the AB540 Disaster Relief Program to provide up to $1 million in emergency housing assistance to households impacted by the Bug, Fred, Stallion and Hawk fires. 

The program will provide flexible assistance for housing-related needs and financial hardships resulting from the wildfires. Assistance is available to eligible households earning up to 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) for impacted residents throughout Reno, Sparks and unincorporated Washoe County. For a household of four, 150% of AMI is $175,250. See the FAQ page for complete eligibility requirements.  

Wildfire-impacted households can apply online now for assistance at the City’s Emergency Rental Assistance Portal. 

“We know the impacts of these wildfires extend well beyond the initial emergency, and families may continue to face unexpected housing and financial challenges,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “This program gives us another tool to help residents who are working to recover and get back on their feet. We’re grateful to the State of Nevada for making this assistance available to help our community recover, and to our HAND team for moving quickly to get that assistance to families who need it.” 

Following Governor Joe Lombardo’s Executive Order 2026-004, the State of Nevada identified up to $1 million in Nevada Attainable Housing Account (NAHA) funding for the City of Reno to administer on behalf of wildfire-impacted households throughout the region. 

Final state funding is pending approval by the Nevada Attainable Housing Council, which is expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, HAND is using existing rental assistance program funds to provide assistance to eligible wildfire-impacted households. The City will seek reimbursement for eligible assistance once the state funding is approved and the agreement is finalized. 

Eligible assistance may include: 

• Temporary hotel or motel assistance for households that remain displaced by the wildfires; 

• Rental assistance for households whose ability to pay rent has been affected by wildfire-related expenses, loss of income or other financial hardship; and 

• Rental assistance to offset certain wildfire-related losses, such as the loss of perishable food resulting from a prolonged power outage. In these circumstances, a predetermined amount of assistance may be provided as a rent payment directly to the household’s landlord. 

All assistance will be paid directly to a landlord or hotel/motel on behalf of the household. No direct cash payments will be made to residents. 

HAND has modified its existing rental assistance software and processes to administer the program and will temporarily reallocate staff as needed to support applications, eligibility reviews and payments. 

For more information about eligibility and the AB540 Disaster Relief Program, visit this FAQ page or contact HAND at 775-541-8926 or [email protected].