Palm Beach County opens new round of COVID rent assistance. Here’s how to apply
Millions of dollars in new federal aid will be available to Palm Beach County renters who were affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
County commissioners signed off on a plan Tuesday for the county’s community services department to dispense $45.2 million for rent and utility assistance. The county received the dollars as part of the $25 billion that Congress approved in December for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Renters who are seeking help after direct or indirect effects from the coronavirus pandemic can apply starting 8 a.m. Wednesday at rentalassistancepbc.org. Homeowners or tenants renting out their family’s homes with a mortgage are not eligible.
Applicants may receive up to 12 months of assistance with up to three months in advance. Payments will be made directly to the… Read More
Important Note
On August 31, Gov. Ron DeSantis extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures in Florida through October 1, 2020.
If you need mortgage or rent relief, contact your landlord or service first to let them know about your financial situation. More information is available below with national, state and local resources.
Palm Beach County CARES rental program
Renters who have taken a financial hit because of the novel coronavirus have a new source of help.
Palm Beach County’s Community Services Department on June 5 launched the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Coronavirus Relief Fund Rent and Utilities Assistance Program.
Deadlines for Renters
July 2 or July 25, 2020: The Florida Supreme Court has extended the suspension on “writs of possession” so no evictions or foreclosures can take place. For tenants living in federally subsidized housing, or if their landlord has a federally backed mortgage loan (FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, etc.), the landlord cannot file an eviction for non-payment of rent or charge you late fees for the next 120 days (through July 25, 2020). We can help people determine who is covered, but this is primarily housing that has income restrictions.
Whether a renter has a July 2 or July 25 deadline, all rent due must still be paid. Communication with your landlord is key: Please contact them and keep them updated on your situation.
State Resources/Info
Statewide Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium
On August 31, Governor DeSantis announced that he has extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures for the next 30 days in response to COVID-19. This much needed statewide clarity comes at an ideal time as many Floridians are worried about losing their homes or becoming homeless. Despite the statewide moratorium, rent will still become due at some point and more resources will be needed to provide rental assistance to persons across the state. The SHIP Program is uniquely situated to efficiently provide rental and mortgage assistance to support the Governor’s eviction and foreclosure moratoria.
Local Resources/Info (Palm Beach County)
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc.
The Legal Aid Society has created an easy-to-read tip sheet for renters who may face the risk of being evicted because COVID-19 is affecting their ability to meet their obligations.
Download the tip sheet:
The Legal Aid Society also has more extensive resources for renters who have questions about their rights during the pandemic.
Review a summary of questions tenants may have regarding the landlord-tenant relationship
Thank you to the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties for your support
