Behind on rent? New Wake County program could help thousands stay in their homes.
People who are behind on their rent because of COVID-19 can apply for a new program to help them stay in their homes and avoid evictions.
The Wake County program will cover half of a person’s back rent from March to December if their landlord agrees to waive the remaining balance. Landlords must also offer 25% discounted rent for January through March 2021 and agree to not pursue eviction.
If the landlord doesn’t agree to those terms, the resident will receive free support from Legal Aid of North Carolina. If the renter and landlord can’t reach an agreement after help from Legal Aid, Wake County will help relocate the resident.
“One fact is clear, many of our residents’ lives have been impacted severely by COVID-19,” Wake County Commissioners Chairman Greg Ford said Tuesday.
About 3,000 households could be helped through the program, Wake County officials said at a news conference. The program is funded with $17 million through Wake County’s allocation of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
People can apply by:
- Visiting wakegov.com/housing
- Calling 919-899-9911
- Emailing housing@telamon.org.
The program is available to Wake County renters who have a North Carolina lease, can show they have been hurt financially from COVID-19 and have not received other rental assistance. There are no income requirements, but priority will go to low- and moderate-income people.
A national eviction moratorium is in place through the end of the year, but Wake County officials are worried about an influx after Jan. 1.
Landlords have shown an interest in the program, said Leah Holdren, Wake County communications specialist.
“We understand this program will not make them whole,” she said. “However, it will help landlords to receive some income now, rather than waiting until January, when the moratorium ends. It is important to note that the end of the moratorium does not guarantee that they will collect any of their back owed rent, it would only allow them the opportunity to evict, which will also cost them filing fees and representation in court.”
Josie Eatmon, executive director of the Triangle Apartment Association, called the program a “step in the right direction.”
“This arrangement won’t work for every landlord, who will still be responsible for mortgages, utilities and property tax burdens without discounts,” she said. “The bottom line is that we are thankful for our county commissioners who have stepped up to create this program, but we are also maintaining hope that the federal government will finally step in to provide the resources necessary for a more robust rental assistance program.”
This story was originally published September 29, 2020 at 11:10 AM.
