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Here’s how you can apply for rental assistance in Orlando

By Christy Turner, WFTV.com
By Christy Turner, WFTV.com

ORLANDO, Fla. — If you live in Orlando and have fallen behind on rent, relief is on the way.

“We just find so many people are still either unemployed or underemployed and are trying to get back on their feet,” said Oren Henry, director of housing and community development.

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The city of Orlando has $6.8 million ready to distribute to households financially impacted by COVID-19.

People can start applying online at 8 a.m. Tuesday. Click here to apply.

“To qualify, you need to be at 80% of median income or less and if you’re unemployed that’s a priority. If you’re at 50% of median or less that’s also a priority,” Henry said.

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The program is funded by the U.S. Treasury Department.

This is the city’s third round of rental assistance.

Henry said hundreds of families will benefit this time around.

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“I know it will help a lot of people rest easier knowing that they are current on their rent,” Henry said.

To qualify for the rental assistance, the city said a household must:

  • Include one or more individuals who have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship during or due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • Include one or more individuals who demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability;
  • Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income ($61,050 for a family of four), with priority given to households at or below 50% of the area median income ($38,150 for a family of four) or to those with a household member who has been unemployed for at least 90 days; and
  • Submit proof of occupancy in the rental residence — this can include a copy of a lease, rental agreement, rent receipts, evidence of regular rental payments, or any other documents that show proof of occupancy.

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The city of Orlando’s program will have additional eligibility requirements and program guidelines, including:

  • Rental assistance is provided for past-due rent and up to three months of prospective rent payments. The total amount of assistance, including any assistance received under the first phase of the emergency rental assistance program, may not exceed 18 months.
  • Rental assistance payments will be made directly to the landlord.
  • The applicant’s monthly rental rate may be no more than $4,000 per month.
  • Assistance with utility payments will not be provided unless the utilities are billed as part of the lease.
  • Housing stability services will be available through counseling to prevent evictions, or to assist tenants in finding new housing and when necessary, pay fees, deposits and rent for the new unit.

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To apply, click here.

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