ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Time is running out to apply for rental assistance in Orange County.

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The county’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program will stop accepting new applications at 11:59 p.m. Friday, but with rental prices surging, the county is working on new ways to help renters in need.

READ: Orlando rental assistance program ends Friday

Orange County has handed out more than $28 million in emergency rental assistance so far, but tenants said more is needed to help as rent prices continue to skyrocket.

A Zillow report released in April shows rent in the Orlando area rose more than 25% in the last year.

READ: 7 people evicted from Orlando complex while waiting for rental assistance

County leaders said they’re working on a second part of the emergency assistance program that’s set to start again in September, as the county also weighs potential rent control measures.

County commissioners plan on holding a session to work on a possible rent stabilization ordinance in the coming month.

READ: Help for those impacted by COVID-19 still available in Brevard County, but time is running out

Inflation & the housing crisis: Families forced into desperation Many of you are being forced to make some drastic decisions. 9 investigates how the rise of inflation has left people desperate to find a roof at night. (WFTV)

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