Applications for Rent Relief Program Begin Today at 10am
Last week, at the urging of the labor movement, the Houston City Council approved a $14.4 million rent relief fund to help Houstonians make their payments amidst the COVID-19 public health crisis. The money for the program comes from the federal CARES Act and is being administered by the local nonprofit BakerRipley.
Beginning TODAY at 10 a.m., RENTERS can apply for assistance on the program’s website. In order for renters to receive aid, their landlords must FIRST enroll.
Renters can search to see if their property has been enrolled here.
The program is first come, first served, so please share with your members as soon as possible. If they are in need of assistance, they should plan to apply as soon as possible, or reach out to their landlords immediately if their property is not already enrolled.
Detail of program:
Up to $1,056 of rental assistance per month will be provided to qualified low-to-moderate income people who could not pay their April and/or May rent.
The landlords who agree to participate in the program will need to agree to certain terms:
- Waive all late fees, penalties, and interest for April and May.
- Allow tenants to enter a payment plan for any rent due in excess of $1,056.
- Rescind any prior notice to vacate and halt any prior eviction proceedings for April and May.
- Renters must meet the following requirements
- Live inside the city of Houston
- Be late on residential rental payments for either or both the months of April and May
- Be current on their rent for all months prior to April 2020
- Affirm that their inability to pay is due to financial hardship resulting from the economic impact of COVID-19
- Have income less than 80% of the Area Median Income ($44,150 for one person or $63,050 for a family of four) or qualify for one of the programs listed in the application (e.g. Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, Head Start, or VA Pension)
Beginning TODAY at 10 a.m., TENANTS apply for assistance on the program’s website.
