Nassau County Executive Laura Curran Announces Expansion of Rental Assistance Program, Increased Resources to Help Residents Access Relief

LongIsland.com

Renters in need can now get three additional months of rent paid.

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Nassau County Executive Laura Curran has announced an expansion of the Nassau County Rental Assistance Program that will increase rental payments for eligible recipients from three months to six months if recipients can demonstrate an ongoing need. Nassau County is increasing payments for eligible recipients of the Rent Relief Program to include not only 3 month rent arrears, but also an additional 3 months of rental payments for the period beginning April 2020 so long as recipients can demonstrate on-going need. Applicants who were previously qualified to receive three months of rental arrears may be able to take advantage of this as well. Under the County's Rental Assistance Program, payments are made directly to the landlord or property owner after the tenant’s loss in wages/pay and income eligibility has been demonstrated. 
 
The County is also taking new steps to ensure that residents in need can access the Rental Assistance Program, including simplifying what is required as proof of “loss of income.” The County has also expanded multi-lingual staffing at the Department of Services and the Boost Nassau Resource Center in partnership with Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDC-LI), which administers the Rent Relief Program. Residents can visit cdcli.org to learn more and apply. 
 
“COVID-19 has put tenants and landlords in a difficult place, and I am pleased to say that more help is on the way. By providing this additional relief and making it more accessible, Nassau is extending a lifeline to those struggling from the financial burden and uncertainty of the pandemic. This is another example of Nassau County effectively utilizing federal COVID relief funds to help those in need and support a strong economic recovery for all communities,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. 
 
“Nassau County residents continue to struggle with the multi-faceted impacts of COVID 19.  The changes to the County’s program strive to address the housing, financial and mental health concerns the pandemic has created.  CDCLI is proud to continue its partnership with the County and bring greater, more accessible relief to renters and landlords throughout our communities,” said Gwen O’Shea, President & CEO, CDC LI.   
 
The County will continue to utilize funding set aside from its allocation of federal Community Development Block Grant – COVID-19 (“CDBG-CV”) relief funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). The County has directed CDBG-CV funds throughout the pandemic to support Nassau residents and businesses, including food distribution efforts, “Boost Nassau” grants for restaurants, business loans and free PPE kits for small businesses, increased mental health and support services.
 
Separately, Nassau County and CDC-LI continue to assist with outreach for the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), specifically for the City of Long Beach and Glen Cove.  The County’s team at the Boost Nassau Resource Center also direct residents from other communities in how to apply for ERAP assistance available through separate Town programs.
 
Nassau County Rent Relief Program Overview 
 
Eligible Applicants:  
 
  • Individuals renting a home or apartment in Nassau County as indicated in a lease agreement in effect as of March 2020.
  • Renter’s TOTAL household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. For a single person the maximum income is $70,900; for two persons $81,050; for three persons $91,150, etc.
  • Monthly rental payments can go up to HUD’s established 2020 Fair Market Rents by unit size, as follows: Efficiency ($1,298); One-Bedroom ($1,624); Two-Bedroom ($1,992); Three-Bedroom ($2,563), etc. (full details will be available on-line.)
  • Renter must have a demonstrated loss of income due to COVID 19
  • Renter must have been current on their rent prior to March 2020 and not be related to the property owner/landlord. 
  • Applicants will have to disclose any funds they received to assist with missed rent payments such as the New York State COVID Rent Relief Program.  Individuals may still qualify for the Nassau County Rent Arrears Program if there is still an outstanding rental arrears, but they are not permitted to accept a duplication of award/rent from both programs. 
 
Application Process: 
 
  • Impacted renters submit an online Initial Inquiry Form (Only ONE is necessary per household). 
  • Although residents are encouraged to complete the process on-line, support will be available by phone if needed. 
 
Arrangement with Landlords: 
 
  • Payments will be made directly to the property owner/property manager 
  • Property owner/landlord must agree to accept the program funds as payment in full for the covered months 
 
"By enhancing the assistance that is available to qualified renters, Nassau County is taking an important step toward addressing the economic challenges faced by tenants and landlords alike. This is especially important for homeowners who rely upon the revenue from an accessory apartment to pay a portion of their bills,” said Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé. “I applaud County Executive Curran for embracing a comprehensive approach to rent relief and dedicating the necessary resources to overcoming any language barriers we may encounter during this process."