Emergency Rental Assistance Program in Orlando to Stop Hiring Applicants

ORLANDO, Fla. Orlando residents struggling to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic have until Friday to apply for the city’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

“Since the pandemic first hit our community, we have worked tirelessly to use federal and state funding to provide assistance to residents,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a statement. “During this difficult, unprecedented time, the financial support of our rental program has helped thousands of Orlando households.”

[TRENDING: Florida’s Freedom Week: Here’s a list of what to buy tax-free | Think it’s hotter when you walk the dog at night than you’re used to? Here’s why | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]

Advertisement

The announcement came at short notice due to expectations that the $6.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds allocated to the city by the US Treasury Department will soon run out.

More than 2,000 households have benefited from the city’s COVID-era emergency programs, with more than 550 households living on rent thanks to funding from the CARES Act, the release said.

Those who wish to apply before July 1 can start the process by reviewing the eligibility requirements below and click here†

To be eligible, your household must:

• Includes one or more individuals within the household who have been eligible for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in family income, incurred significant expenses or experienced other financial difficulties during or as a result, directly or indirectly, of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Include one or more individuals in the household who are at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

• Have a household income equal to or less than 80% of the area’s median income ($66,300 for a family of four), with priority being given to households at or less than 50% of the area’s median income ( $41,450 for a family of four) or who has a family member who is unemployed for 90 days.

• Submit proof of occupancy in the rental property – this may be a copy of a rental agreement, lease, rental receipts, proof of regular rent payments or other documents showing proof of occupancy.

While the above requirements are requested by the Ministry of Finance, the city requires the following eligibility requirements:

Advertisement

• The rental property must be located within the Orlando city limits. Applicants can verify their address at:orlando.gov/assistance†

• Rental assistance is provided for rent arrears and up to three months in future rent payments. The total amount of assistance, including any assistance received under the first phase of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, must not exceed 18 months.

• Rental homes in homes occupied by the owner or homes in a farm are not eligible.

• The applicant’s monthly rental rate cannot exceed $4,000 per month.

• Assistance with paying utilities will not be provided unless utilities are billed as part of the rental agreement.

• The rent allowance is paid directly to the landlord.

• If a landlord declines to participate in the program, eligible tenants will still receive assistance by working with a housing counselor, as long as resources remain available.

• Housing stability services will be available through counseling to: prevent evictions; help tenants find new housing and pay fees, deposits and rent for the new unit if necessary; and provide housing-related services to survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking.