Rent Relief Begins Thursday In New York

If you are one of the many Americans who are struggling to pay your rent this year, it may soon be covered for you thanks to the Federal Government.

New York was one of the first sates to feel the financial pressure from the COVID pandemic. Things are getting worse in other states this summer and there is a current "uptick" in cases here in Erie County. True, many businesses are reopened in Western New York. However, those who are just getting back to work may still be behind in their monthly rent payments.

Starting this week, New Yorkers struggling to pay their rent will be able to apply for needed relief.  If approved, a one-time rental subsidy will be paid to landlords that tenants won't have to pay back.

Applications will be available online for two weeks through the state's Homes and Community Renewal website.

According to a post on the New York State website:

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements:

• Must be a renter with a primary residence in New York State.
• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income (including unemployment benefits) must be below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. Applicants can find the Area Median Income for their county, based on household size, on HCR's website here.
• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, the household must have been "rent burdened," which is defined as paying more than 30 percent of gross monthly income towards rent.
• Applicants must have lost income during any period between April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020.
• The application period will be open for two weeks. Residents can apply any time during the two-week period.

Just this week, the travel industry took a hit as more regulations and restrictions were put in place. Not only are more states added to the quarantine list, the border between Canada and the United States will remain closed at least through August. Travel industry owners and experts are saying that things may not recover for at least 2 years!!