As of yesterday, March 1, tenants seeking financial assistance can once again apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The ERAP program began in 2020, when the pandemic tanked the economy and tenants found themselves struggling to pay rent. The program was put on hold after the initial $53.8 million in federal funding was used to help pay rents and utilities.
“The ERAP program aims to prevent residents from experiencing further financial hardship or additional consequences to living conditions by providing eligible and approved households financial assistance for rent and TECO electric bills,” Hillsborough County said in a press release. “Prospective rental payments will be considered on a case-by-case basis.”
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An FAQ page for renters says applicants can sign up for future rental payments of up to three months, and that “Assistance provided can be up to 12 months of past-due rent from March 13, 2020 or later, per household.” The assistance also aims to help those who are at risk of eviction. Additional fees, such as late rent fees, will also be considered for payment through the program.
The county said that landlords play an essential role in ERAP and are, “encouraged to actively participate to be eligible for funding.”
“Registration is required for landlords to participate as a vendor in the program and receive funds directly on behalf of their approved tenants,” the county wrote.
Over the past year, rents have skyrocketed as landlords in Tampa Bay have increased the cost of rent by an average of 24%.
Tenants and landlords can register for the ERAP program at Hillsborough County’s website.This article appears in Feb 24 – Mar 2, 2022.