Can You Receive Rental Assistance?
- Author: Stephanie Willms
- Posted: 2024-04-01
It's no secret that the price of rent is rising all through the United States. There are many reasons for this troubling phenomenon. The recent pandemic certainly contributed more than its share of impetus to this record increase. As things stand, more people than ever are having trouble paying rent. The time for many to seek assistance is now.
Where Can You Go to Get Help?
Millions of people across the country are experiencing issues with paying their basic monthly rent. If you can't quite meet your rent or utility payments, you can contact your local housing agency. This is the place where you may be able to apply for some sort of emergency rental assistance.
Other facilities are available at the county, state, or Federal level. For example, you may be able to apply for a number of local aid programs. Your best bet will be to conduct a search on the web. The first step should be at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website.
There are a wide variety of programs that you may be able to apply for. In order to do so, you may need to provide some kind of proof of the hardship you are facing. For example, you may be required to include written confirmation from your landlord. You should also be aware that some of these programs will send funds to your landlord.
What Can Emergency Rental Aid Cover?
You should be aware that the money you receive from an Emergency Rental Aid (ERA) program can help cover more than merely rent. For example, some tenants may also receive funds to help with their utilities. This can cover areas such as:
- oil
- water
- electricity
- sewer
- gas
- removal of trash
The program may also be able to help you with a number of additional expenses. These usually include, but may not be limited to, the following:
- Internet
- Security deposits
- Moving expenses
- Application fees
- Legal assistance
- Late fees
HUD Offers Additional Housing Assistance
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a number of additional initiatives. These may go a long way toward getting many homeowners back on their feet. Renters can likewise use these resources to locate assistance via a counseling agency that has the backing of HUD.
Homeowners who are currently unable to make their mortgage payments can also find help through HUD. The agency has a number of programs available that are designed to help people avoid getting foreclosed on. This includes such notable initiatives as the recently created Making Home Affordable Program.
Renters who are searching for housing they can afford should also consult the official HUD website. They will find a number of resources that offer information on privately owned apartments. These properties offer reduced rents. The site will contain all of the information people need to fill out applications for housing assistance.
President Biden Launches New Assistance Initiatives
Many of the recent housing assistance initiatives have come into being as a result of efforts undertaken by the Biden administration. The president has recently authorized what is described as a two-pronged effort to render assistance to tenants. The idea is to redistribute nearly $700 million in emergency rent relief to the poorest areas.
At the same time, President Biden unveiled a “White House Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights". This has been characterized as a comprehensive plan that is specially designed to deal directly with housing affordability issues.
Some experts have criticized these plans as not going far enough to deal with the issue of rising costs. At the moment, millions of Americans are still struggling with finding enough extra cash to pay for rent, utilities, and other essential costs.
The ERA Program has been a response by the Biden Administration to meet these needs while also working to forestall the fallout from future price increases. Biden has described these and other efforts as a series of works in progress. Homeowners in need are strongly encouraged to take advantage of them.
