Renters in Hall County who need a little help due to the pandemic could be eligible for a new rental assistance program.
The county government has established the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program and will begin accepting applications on April 6 at 9 a.m.
Residents in rental units who are at or below 80% of the area median income, plus other criteria, are eligible and encouraged to apply. Hall County will prioritize applications for households at or below 50% of the area median income level, and households where one or more members are currently unemployed and have been for at least 90 days.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of Hall County residents have lost their jobs and are having problems paying their monthly rent,” said Hall County Board of Commissioners Chairman Richard Higgins. “Hall County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program will allow us to offer tangible help to tenants at risk of homelessness.”
Successful applicants can receive up to 12 months of rental assistance, for past due rent or for prospective rent, not to exceed $12,500. Housing assistance payments will be paid to the landlord or leasing agent for a rental unit.
Landlords must provide a signed W-9 form in addition to verifying contact information. If the tenant is unable to supply, the landlord must supply a copy of the lease and any past due or eviction notices.
Hall County was awarded just over $6 million in federal funding for the program through the U.S. Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
Residents can apply online or by calling 855-718-4630.
