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Federal Rental Assistance Programs for Renters and Landlords

Federal Rental Assistance Programs for Renters and Landlords

Jul 30, 2021 | News, Take Action

Rental Assistance Call to Action
July 28, 2021

New Resources Available for Renters and Landlords

Renters and landlords who don’t know where to turn can use a new website from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This website makes it easy to find rental assistance provider in your area.

Spread the word that people can go to find help paying rent.

If you’re a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs – or if you’re a landlord trying to stay afloat with tenants in this situation – help may be available. State and local programs are distributing billions of dollars in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic.

Help renters and landlords recover from the financial distress of the pandemic

The federal government is conducting an all-out push to make sure tenants and landlords take advantage of the historic funding for emergency rental assistance to help cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs and keep people in their homes.

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, billions of dollars in federal rental assistance is reaching renters behind on housing costs, as well as landlords who have struggled during the pandemic. These programs are run locally, and right now emergency rental assistance is available across the country.

We are putting out a call to action to government agencies, companies, advocates, nonprofits, the faith community, and more to make sure that renters and landlords are able to take advantage of the relief available to them.

On July 28th, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) debuts a new look up tool that allows renters and landlords to find information on rental assistance in their area. Help us spread the message: Rental assistance is available. We can prevent evictions—benefiting renters and landlords.

While we are encouraging people to help get the word out on July 28th to connect people to CFPB’s new tool, these resources will continue to be valuable to renters and landlords beyond the 28th, and we welcome any and all continued outreach efforts.

CFPB has developed a new look up tool that allows renters to find information on rental assistance in their area. The Rental Assistance Finder was designed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help renters and landlords find their local program and apply for assistance.

For more general information about the Emergency Rental Assistance program, visit the unified federal housing assistance portal hosted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

For Renters

  • Worried about missed rent payments or eviction? Federal assistance is available to help cover your rent, utilities, or other housing-related costs.

  • Worried about making the rent? Get help with 12 months or more of rent and utilities. 

  • Are you behind on your rent? Federal assistance for rent and utility debt is available.

  • Ask your local program about the total amount of help available – depending on the program’s funding, it could be up to 12 months or more. 

 

For Landlords

  • Squeezed between missed rental income and bills you owe because of the pandemic? Help is available. Government rental assistance programs can help you and your tenants cover missed payments.

  • When the rent comes in short, you’ve still got bills to pay. Apply for direct payments of federal rental assistance, based on your tenants’ eligibility. 

  • Landlords are feeling squeezed by the loss of rental income. State and local programs are delivering billions of dollars in federal financial assistance to landlords based on tenant eligibility. 

  • State and local programs are making billions of dollars in direct payments of federal rental assistance to landlords. Eligibility is based on your tenant’s household finances. As a landlord, you may need to apply. 

    CFPB Look Up Tool - Rental Assistance Finder
    The unified federal housing assistance portal hosted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
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    Letter July 2021

    Letter July 2021

    Jul 13, 2021 | From the Desk

    During these past 16 months of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic we have become very conscious of milestones and anniversaries. The country is currently inching toward the 70% mark for vaccinations by making them available at many convenient locations. The hip staff continues to help consumers make informed decisions about the vaccine and collaborating with our state and county partners.

    July 13 marks the first anniversary of our partial return to the office. We worked remotely from the beginning of the shutdown but as restrictions began to be lifted, we had the office deep cleaned, sanitized and outfitted with plexiglass shields to maintain appropriate social distancing. All of us are well equipped with PPE and various cleaning supplies for our individual use. We have developed a schedule where we split the staff into two shifts working two days in the office and two days remotely with Friday as a clean-up and meeting day. We are still not seeing people in the office or making home visits, but we are doing our best to stay in contact with all of the consumers. We have established dedicated hot lines in both offices. Our current plan is to continue with our split sessions until the end of August and gradually increase office time through September with a full opening October 1.

    I cannot discuss dates without commemorating the 31st Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26. We have come a long way by promoting universal design, enhancing equity in public education and continuing our advocacy for equality in all areas of the American experience.

    For the future we need to remain aware of the importance of this legislation and to be sure that its intent remains prominent in the conversations on inclusion, equal rights and diversity.

    Sincerely,

    Brian

     

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    Register Ready – For individuals who may need assistance in a disaster

    Register Ready – For individuals who may need assistance in a disaster

    Jul 8, 2021 | News

    Register Ready – For individuals who may need assistance in a disaster

    The first step in emergency preparedness for individuals who may need assistance in a disaster.

    WHAT CAN I DO TO GET READY?

    •  Assemble a Go Bag with your ID, important papers, medication in labeled containers, and important contact information (cell phones may not work in a disaster). Keep your go bag updated.
    •  Make a Household Plan by going to www.ready.gov for checklists and preparedness guides. Your plan should identify evacuation routes and places to stay.
    • Make Plans for Your Pets before an emergency and ask your local emergency manager about pet sheltering. A service animal with a current rabies vaccination will be permitted in shelters. For more tips, visit:
      https://animalemergency.nj.gov
    •  Register with the Public Alert Systems in your community (e.g. Reverse 911, Swift911, NJ 2-1-1, Nixle) through your county or local Emergency Management Office. Text “ReadyNJ” to 898-211 to get text alerts on how to prepare for emergencies and stay informed during the next disaster.
    • Inform your electric utility provider If you have medical equipment that requires power.
    • Visit ready.nj.gov today to better prepare for local disasters.info@fairhousingnj.org
      Text "ReadyNJ" to 898-211

      Text “ReadyNJ”
      to 898-211

      Stay tuned to local news, radio or television stations for timely disaster information.

      Register Ready is:

      • Free,
      • Voluntary,
      • Secure and confidential,
      • Protective of your privacy,
      • Used by emergency managers to plan for DAFN concerns.

      Register today—
      be ready for tomorrow!

      Register now!

      Update your information at least annually.

      In a life threatening situation, don’t wait for help — call 9-1-1.

      WHAT IS REGISTER READY?

      Register Ready is a free, secure, voluntary database designed
      to help emergency managers and first responderrs plan for and support people with disabilities and access and functional needs (DAFN) who may need assistance in the event of a disaster.

      You (or someone on your behalf) are encouraged to register if you have a physical, developmental, cognitive or behavioral impairment, language barrier, or transportation challenge that may make it difficult for you to safely shelter in place or evacuate in a disaster.

      WHO SHOULD REGISTER?

      Permanent and seasonal NJ residents with DAFN who may need help evacuating, sheltering in place or at a public shelter, or requiring emergency assistance should register. Individuals with a temporary disability, such as high-risk pregnancy or other serious medical condition, should register.

      HOW CAN I REGISTER?

      • Go to: www.registerready.nj.gov
      • Telephone 2-1-1 (within NJ), or 877-652-1148 toll free (TTY/TDD and translation services available)
      • Contact your County Office of Emergency Management
      • Contact your local Center for Independent Living.
      Contact your local Center for Independent Living
      Contact your County Office of Emergency Management

      WHO SEES MY INFORMATION?

      Register Ready complies with all laws to protect your privacy and personal data. The emergency management community, which includes public health officials and first responders, has access to Register Ready for planning and coordination.

      HOW IS MY DATA USED?

      Communities use Register Ready in a variety of ways. Emergency managers and trusted personnel may use the information to plan, send public messaging, assist with evacuation, and support sheltering and post-disaster recovery. After registering, contact your local Office of Emergency Management to learn how staff utilizes Register Ready and what you can do to enhance your own preparedness.

      Links:

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      See Register Ready Brochoure (PDF)
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