CoVid Stimulus - Rental Assistance

[Dave S.]

Has there been any details released about tenant / landlord rental assistance from the 2nd covid stimulus. As I understand it, the checks for people have been sent out but no one seems to know how to apply for the assistance. Isnt the program fully defined and released yet?

[Brad Gibson]

I've looked all over for information concerning the portion of the Covid Relief package that was passed in late December and cannot find anything other than it seems it will be administered through state and local governments.  

That is worrisome in that each state will have a different set of criteria and rules for who and how folks get assistance.  My home state of Texas took about 117 million in CARES Act funding for rental assistance and built an "Eviction Diversion" program for use in 6 pilot cities.  None of the moneys went to renters or landlords, just a system to mediate a payment plan for those who have fallen behind on rent rather than sending evictions through the local courts.

Super frustrating.  I don't need help working out a payment plan with folks.  I do that already without an outside mediator.  Tenants who have fallen behind due to Covid disruptions don't have funds to pay on payment plans.  I either need the unit back so I can rent it to someone else, or I the tenants need cash to pay their rents.

The moratorium has simply set up a massive forfeiture of assets by the US Government without due process or legislation.