GOPC DOES NOT OFFER RENT ASSISTANCE. PLEASE READ THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BELOW BEFORE CALLING OUR OFFICE FOR INFORMATION.
The Greater Ohio Policy Center proudly worked with a broad coalition of nonprofit and private partners to encourage state policymakers to create an Emergency Rent Assistance program. This has been a top policy priority for GOPC since early May 2020.
On October 23, 2020, Governor DeWine and leaders from the Ohio Senate and Ohio House announced the creation of a $50 million emergency rent, mortgage, and utility assistance program for Ohioans financially impacted by COVID.
Here is a FAQ on the program. Information may change as more details of the program become more available.
Where do I apply?: The funds will be locally administered by Ohio’s community action agencies, which serve every county of the state. (You can find a list of the CAAs here.)
Who can apply?: Tenants or homeowners must apply. You must make 200% of the federal poverty level, or less. For reference, if your household of 3 has earned less than $43,330 in the last 12 months, you are eligible. For income limits for each household size, see the chart at this link.
What do I need to apply?: You can find a list of documents you will need for your application at this link.
When can I apply?: The Community Action Agencies will begin accepting applications on November 2nd. Some may have an online application portal, other CAAs may have you do the application by phone or in person. Check your CAA’s website to learn how they want to accept applications.
When does this program end?: The $50 million must be spent by December 30, 2020. We are hopeful that more state or federal funds will become available in the future, but that is not guaranteed at this time. Call your state representative, state senator, and federal congressperson and Ohio’s federal senators to tell them we need more emergency rent assistance funds.
I’m worried about getting evicted even with the emergency relief, is there anything else I can do?: The federal government has issued a moratorium on evictions until December 31, 2020. This means that you cannot be physically removed from your home through eviction if you are behind on rent. You need to complete this form and give it to your landlord. The moratorium protection is not automatic.
Your landlord can still take you to eviction court and have your physical removal pending until January 1, 2021. And, your landlord can still evict you and have your physically removed if you violate other parts of your lease, such as damaging property or having people live with you who are not named on the lease.
You may want to talk with your local Legal Aid society so you understand your rights in court and potentially arrange for legal representation. You can search for your local legal aid society here.
I’m a landlord with tenants who owe back rent, can I apply on their behalf?: You can help them apply, but they will need to make the application. Payments will be made directly to you, they will not pass through the tenant. You will need to acknowledge receipt of funds to the CAA. The CAA will have a process in place for this.
I’m behind on six months of rent, will this program help me?: This program will cover past payments from April 1, 2020 through the end of the year. Local community action agencies may set a dollar amount cap on the amount of assistance you will receive. However, that will likely be up to the individual agencies.
I’m behind on my water and sewer bills, and rent, will this program help me?: This program will help families in need with rent, mortgage, sewer or water bills. The local programs may establish an “up-to” dollar amount that families can receive, which could allow them to cover rent and water/sewer. You need ask your local CAA how it will run its program. When you apply for rent or mortgage relief, make sure to let them know you are behind on your utility bills. They may have other programs to help with your electric or gas bill.
Where can I find more information?: Here is the state of Ohio’s information page; your local community action agency may post new information about the program in the next week or two to their website.