The Mayor’s Office today (Wed., Feb. 10) announced an expansion of its rental assistance program with the recent allocation of $11.6 million in federal funds. The City is expecting an additional $14 million from the state of Louisiana for rental assistance.
This program will begin taking applications on Monday, Feb. 15 through its NOLA Ready website — https://ready.nola.gov — as well as in person. People can also call (504) 658-4200 to apply and for any questions. And applications will be accepted until the funding is depleted.
The City is also partnering with the courts to ensure any household facing imminent eviction for nonpayment of rent is immediately connected to rental assistance resources.
In order to qualify for the program, applicants must earn 60 percent or below of the area median income (AMI)
Assistance can cover up to 12 months of back rent and three months of future rent payments under limited circumstances. Landlords that accept these funds will not be able to evict tenants for non-payment of rent for 90 days or for up to 180 days without good cause. Good cause means something the tenant did or failed to do, including nonpayment of rent (should the moratorium expire), other lease violations, criminal activity, property damage, and activity that threatens the health, safety, or peaceful possession of others.
In almost all circumstances, the payment will go directly to landlords. Federal rules provide that if a landlord chooses to refuse to participate in the program, a renter can still apply, however.
Landlords can also apply directly to the program. And there is nothing barring undocumented people from qualifying for assistance as well.
Landlords who have missed a payment or are concerned about foreclosure should contact HUD certified housing counseling by dialing (800) 569-4287 and may apply for assistance through the Small Landlord Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
