As a reminder, applications from tenants who would like to receive financial assistance to pay their rent in accordance with the COVID Rent Relief Extension Program end on February 1. One-time help. There is no need to return the money received: it is not a debt. The program is designed to help people financially affected by the pandemic. It was renewed in December.
Its implementation is entrusted to the New York State Office of Homes & Community Renewal. New applications are being accepted from New Yorkers who have not used this chance before or did not fall under the old rules. Anyone who previously submitted an application, but did not receive money, does not need to re-fill any papers.
Who is entitled to help? Those who lost income between April 1 and July 31, provided that, prior to the pandemic (before March 7, 2020), the family lived on means that were 80% or less of the average income in the area of residence. Only tenants can get money. Moreover, the apartment or house that they rent in the state of New York should be considered the main place of residence.
Under the new rules recently introduced by Governor Cuomo’s decree, there is now no need for the applicant to prove that he was “rent burdened” before the pandemic. This refers to renters who paid more than 30% of their income for housing.
Applications are accepted by reference hcr.ny.gov/rrp. You can find out the details by phone 833-499-0318 or by sending a request to covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov. The call center staff (and there are also Russian speakers among them) will help you fill out the application. On the site you can also find application forms in Russian.
Newspaper headline:
How to get help paying your rent