Broward County To Launch Online Rental Assistance Program
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Broward County Commission has allocated $25 million to help qualified residents impacted by COVID-19, who will soon be able to apply online for rental assistance.
The money comes from a federal program that will help residents pay portions of unpaid rent for the months of April, May, June, July, and August 2020.
The assistance is not a loan and those who receive the help do not have to be pay it back.
Here is what officials say would make you eligible to receive the assistance:
To apply, you must be a Broward resident.
You or someone in your household experienced a documented loss or reduction in income related to COVID-19.
Due to the loss of income related to COVID-19, you were unable to pay rent.
The landlord agrees to participate.
Assistance equates to a partial payment of rent. For months one and two of the owed rent amount the rental assistance program will pay, and the landlord must agree to, 75% of the amount due. For months three, four and five of rent assistance, the program will pay, and the landlord must agree to, 60% of the amount due. Late fees, if any, will not be covered by the program.
Payments are made to landlords, therefore if a landlord is not willing to complete the documents, the tenant will not be eligible for assistance.
Broward County's Family Success Division is managing the application process and will approve and distribute funds until depleted.
Application Period Opens August 31
The application period is Monday, August 31 through Sunday, September 6, 2020, from 8AM to 10PM daily. Applications may be submitted online only, at Broward.org/CARES. A computer is not necessary, and the application can be completed on a smartphone or tablet. No in-person applications will be accepted.
Because applicants are required to attach significant amounts of substantiating documentation, residents who believe they are qualified are encouraged to begin today to collect documentation required for the online application process. For details, visit Broward.org/CARES. The application must be completed in one sitting and cannot be partially completed, saved or returned to at a later time.
Examples of the types of documents that may be required depending upon each unique situation are:
Copy of valid government-issued ID
Rental lease agreement or Tenant Verification Form, completed by landlord
Late notice for past due rent/eviction notice/past due notification
Paystubs
Evidence of unemployment or loss of income if self-employed.
Once a resident's application is assigned a case manager, he or she may be asked to supply other documents such as bank statements. Again, consult the website for details on documents that may be required at time of application.
"Our residents are hurting," said Broward County Mayor Dale V.C. Holness. "This $25 million rental assistance program can provide much needed financial assistance to many, many families who need our help, and help protect landlords and small businesses who need to collect rents to pay mortgages and other expenses related to property ownership."
COVID-19 has impacted many Broward County families in many ways. If you have loss of income not related to COVID-19, and need help during this difficult pandemic, please visit our Family Success Division website to see what other resources may be available to you.
