New Online Tool to Help Renters, Landlords Access Federal Assistance
The Rental Assistance Finder, available at www.consumerfinance.gov/renthelp, connects renters and landlords with the state and local programs that are distributing billions of dollars in federal assistance nationwide to help renters stay housed during the pandemic.
According to a CFPB analysis of Census Household Pulse Survey data from June 23–July 5, 16 percent of adults living in households who rent said they are currently behind on their payments. Of adults living in households behind on rent, 49 percent, or approximately 3.6 million, say that eviction in the next two months is somewhat or very likely.
“Millions of people are behind on their rent and at risk of eviction as a result of the pandemic,” said CFPB Acting Director Dave Uejio in the release. “The Rental Assistance Finder will make it easier for renters and landlords to locate the financial assistance available in their area. People across the country are already receiving billions of dollars in assistance, and with this new tool we hope even more renters and landlords will take advantage of this emergency relief. This money is a win-win for both landlords and renters and a better outcome for all than costly, needless evictions.”
As part of an unprecedented economic recovery effort, the federal government has allocated more than $46 billion to assist households unable to pay rent, utilities, and other housing costs. All 50 states and hundreds of local, tribal, and other programs are distributing funds. The CFPB’s Rental Assistance Finder tool will make it easier for renters and landlords to connect with rental-assistance programs in their area, and take the first steps toward accessing available funds, according to the release.
The CFPB has taken other actions to support renters during COVID-19, including promising with the FTC to monitor illegal evictions, monitoring illegal debt-collection practices related to evictions during the pandemic, and monitoring Fair Credit Reporting Act obligations about reporting consumer rental and eviction information during the pandemic, including how rental assistance payments are reported.
Source: rentalhousingjournal.com
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