PRESCOTT – There’s some good news for those who got behind on their rent because of COVID-19.
Under the Arkansas Rent Relief Program, eligible renters who are unable to pay past due and/or future rent, and/or past due utilities because of the pandemic can get help. The program pays the rent directly to landlords and utility providers on behalf of the renters. This is part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
To be eligible those applying: must be an Arkansas resident; be a renter with a current lease or rental agreement; be a US citizen or legal resident alien; be unable to pay all or part of rent due because of COVID-19 financial hardship; show your household is at risk of becoming homeless or experiencing housing instability; and meet income guidelines. These guidelines are: household income must be less than 80 percent of county’s Area Median Income as defined by the Housing and Urban Development; and income eligibility limit by county for the county the renter lives in along with the number in the house.
Applications started being accepted on May 17, and once the funding for this program is gone, there will be no further help from it, so it’s important for those in need of rental assistance to apply as soon as possible. Applying can be done online at ar.gov/rentrelief. Those needing help can call the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office at 870-887-6208. Additionally, for those who don’t have internet access, can call 1-855-RENTARK.
Landlords who have renters behind on rent can also apply, but will need to have the tenant’s contract information available. Payment can only be made once a tenant has completed the application and established eligibility.
Applicants will need to provide the following information: proof of being financially impacted by the pandemic; current lease agreement; driver’s license or other government issued identification for head of household; proof of current income for all household members; proof of participation in SNAP, TANF or other unemployment insurance programs; proof of need of assistance with housing or being at risk of being evicted; and supporting information for months of rental and utility assistance being requested.
This program only applies to back rent owed and up to three months future rent and no one can apply for more than a total of 15 months of assistance.
Those who apply can check the status of their application at the ar.gov/rentrelief site.