Richland County to offer rental assistance program

Listen to this article

Richland County renters could qualify for a portion of a $12.5 million grant to help with past-due rent and unpaid rent and utilities through a COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program that opens April 5.

The U.S. Treasury grant will provide up to 12 months of rental and utility assistance for eligible households, plus three additional months if funds are available and the county determines the additional months are needed, according to a news release from Richland County. Funding must be used to reduce rental and utility arrears before future payments can be made.

The program will not provide assistance that duplicates any other federally funded rental and utility aid during the same time period.

A household must be renting or have rented during the COVID-19 pandemic and include at least one individual who fits each of the following criteria:

• Qualifies for unemployment or has seen a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship because of COVID-19
• Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
• Has an annual household income at or below 80% of Richland County’s area median income, or $58,100 for a family of four.

Households with incomes at or below 50 percent of AMI ($36,300 for a family of four) will be prioritized. Priority will also be given to eligible households that include at least one person who has been unemployed for 90 days.

Beginning April 5, applications will be accepted from renters or from owners/landlords and/or utility providers on behalf of renters. Funds will be paid directly to landlords or utility providers unless the landlord or utility provider does not want to participate.

Applicants should be prepared to provide contact information, a rental property address within Richland County, a copy of a lease agreement or self-attestation in the absence of an agreement, and household income, in addition to other information.  

A toll-free number and an online link will be provided before the launch date.