Apartment Association Help and Tips

CLERMONT COUNTY ANNOUNCES EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE HELP FOR RESIDENTS AND OWNERS

Even as the economy continues its recovery from the devastating impact of the pandemic, some face deep rental debt and fear evictions and the loss of basic housing security.

COVID-19 has exacerbated an affordable housing crisis that predated the pandemic and that has exacerbated deep disparities that threaten the strength of an economic recovery that must work for everyone.

To meet this need, the Emergency Rental Assistance program makes funding available to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities.
This program can assist local landlords who are being financially impacted by tenants who are not paying their rent.

➡️ To apply, email support@cccsi.org. Clermont County Community Services will then assign a caseworker and provide you with the application.

 

APPLICATIONS FOR PROPERTY OWNER/MANAGER FILING RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Ohio Home Relief Rent Statement
Ohio Home Relief Checklist and Cover Letter

GOVERNOR BESHEAR LAUNCHES $264 MILLION HEALTHY AT HOME EVICTION RELIEF FUND: FUNDS WILL PROVIDE RENT, UTILITY ASSISTANCE TO TENANTS, LANDLORDS IMPACTED BY COVID 19

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 11, 2021) – In partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC), Gov. Andy Beshear relaunched the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund today with an additional $264 million to keep Kentuckians safe and housed throughout the pandemic.

“The Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund follows earlier, similar efforts to help our people stay in their homes, while also providing relief to landlords and utility companies,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is so important. With more Kentuckians rolling up their sleeves and receiving these safe and effective vaccines, we see the light at the end of the tunnel growing brighter by the day. But it will take months before everyone can receive their shot of hope, and until then, we need to ensure our people can stay healthy at home as much as possible.”

Starting Feb. 15, tenants who qualify can apply for rent and utility assistance to cover their past-due and future bills. If approved, lump sum, direct payments will be made to landlords and utility providers.

“Nearly a year into the pandemic, Kentuckians are still grappling with the economic effects of COVID-19,” said Winston Miller, KHC executive director. “This assistance will help keep renters housed, allow landlords to get substantial payments for back rent and reduce the number of evictions in Kentucky courts.” 

The U.S. Treasury Department recently allocated $297 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to the state of Kentucky, Lexington-Fayette County Urban County Government and Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government to help renters impacted economically by COVID-19. The money will be distributed as three separate programs:

The Team Kentucky Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund (representing 118 counties) will receive $264 million of the $297 million allocated for the state.

All of the funds will offer the same benefits to approved applicants – 100% of past-due rent, dating back to April 2020 – and up to three months of future payments.

Those applying through the Team Kentucky portal also can receive help with past-due and future utility bills.

“Throughout the pandemic, many households have struggled with expenses,” said Wendy Smith, KHC’s deputy director of housing programs. “This essential eviction relief can help renters get caught up on rent and utilities.”

The Beshear administration offered a similar plan last year – from September to December, the state helped 4,135 households avoid eviction with nearly $15 million in assistance. The new fund’s structure and requirements are similar to those of the original Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund:

  • Renters in the 118 counties covered by the state program must have at least one household member who experienced one of the following during the pandemic: qualified for unemployment benefits; experienced a reduction in income; or experienced other financial hardship.
  • Renters must be at risk of eviction as evidenced by a pending court eviction, or a past-due notice.
  • Tenants must meet certain income guidelines. An income calculator is available atteamkyhherf.ky.gov. 
    • Household income must not exceed 80% of Area Median Income, adjusted by county and for household size.
    • Income determination will be based on the documents the tenant submits with their application.
    • Tenants can submit either their 2020 IRS tax return or documentation of income for the past 60 days (paystubs/unemployment insurance statements, etc.). They should submit whichever demonstrates that they fall under the program income limits.
  • To qualify, both the landlord and tenant should apply at teamkyhherf.ky.gov. Applications are processed more quickly when both the landlord and the tenant apply online.
  • Maximum rent relief: 100% of past-due rent since April 1, 2020, and three months future rent.
  • Maximum utility relief: 100% of past-due utilities since April 1, 2020, and three months of future utilities. Assistance can cover gas, electric, water, sewer and/or wastewater bills.
  • If approved, lump sum, direct payments will be made to landlords and utility providers.
  • Landlords must forgive any late fees, penalties and interest related to non-payment of rent. 
  • Landlords must also agree to not begin eviction proceedings until at least 45 days after the period covered by assistance.
  • Tenants/landlords may reapply subject to funding availability.

The Governor asked landlords and utility companies to please exercise patience with low-income tenants who are behind on payments.

“If a tenant is evicted, this fund cannot cover past-due bills. If the utility gets shut off, we won’t be able to get a prompt direct payment to the utility,” said Gov. Beshear.

Finally, he announced that a third party can help tenants apply if a tenant does not have access to a smart phone or computer, or if they are elderly or disabled.  This could be family, a friend, fellow church member, caseworker, community organization staff member and so on. The helper will be able identify themselves as someone helping the applicant and can provide contact information in case we need to gather more information.

A detailed description of the program can be found at teamkyhherf.ky.gov.

 

​GOVERNOR BESHEAR ANNOUNCES UP TO $38 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR UTILITY ASSISTANCE

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2021) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced up to $38 million is available to local governments to help Kentuckians with overdue utility bills in their jurisdiction. Each unit of local government may request up to $200,000 for assistance in their communities.

“Even with our victory over COVID-19 coming into sight, times are still tough for our families,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are grateful to be able to provide these funds, because they will ensure many Kentuckians won’t have to make the impossible choice between feeding their family and keeping the lights on.”

The Department for Local Government (DLG) will administer the funding from the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response (CDBG-CV) program established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“We want to get this assistance out the door as quickly as possible, because protecting Kentuckians is our number one priority,” said DLG Commissioner Dennis Keene. “We encourage local governments to submit applications as quickly as possible.”

To apply, local governments must submit an application to DLG. If approved, local governments must then partner with a community action agency to assist with funding administration. To simplify the process and fulfill that need, DLG has partnered with Kentucky’s 15 Area Development Districts (ADD) to assist units of local government, local nonprofit community service providers and eligible Kentuckians with their applications and administering funds.

Households are eligible for up to $250 per month for six consecutive months if:

  • They live in a city or county approved for funding;
  • Have been financially impacted by COVID-19;
  • Are struggling to pay water, sewer, electric, gas or other heating and cooling bills; and
  • Have received notice for disconnect between January 21, 2020, and present day and/or up to two months following.

Once a household’s application is approved, the local nonprofit community service provider will transfer funds directly to a utility provider on their behalf.

Local governments can apply for CDBG-CV funds now by completing the application on DLG’s website.

Kentuckians should contact their local government or ADD for more information on CDBG-CV funds in their area.

This aid follows a previous fund set up by Gov. Beshear. In October 2020, the Governor created the Team Kentucky Healthy at Home Utility Relief Fund by dedicating $15 million of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding. This fund is estimated to have helped over 63,000 individuals in more than 26,000 households through December of last year.

A third round of utility relief is forthcoming as Congress passed the Omnibus Appropriations and Coronavirus Relief Package, H.R. 133 (“the Consolidated Appropriations Act”), which was signed into law Dec. 27, 2020. That package is expected to provide nearly $297 million to Kentuckians to protect tenants from evictions and utility disconnections, through the Team Kentucky Healthy at Home Eviction and Utility Relief Fund. More information on this program will be coming within the next few weeks.

More Information

Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov and the state’s response to COVID-19 at kycovid19.ky.gov.

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GRANT FUNDING FOR RESIDENTS AND PROPERTIES

The amount of resources available for residents struggling to pay rent due to Covid-19 has increased in Hamilton County, OH to $5,000 per Household.  The documents necessary to apply for both the resident and property owner are attached and also available on the GCNKAA website under Covid-19 resources.  Please share the applications and the quoted instructions below with residents in need!

Applicants should fill out the application in the pdf, save it, and send it back to Jessica.Wilcher@jfs.ohio.gov. Please attach pay documentation (pay stubs/unemployment form/etc), rent statement/utility statement showing amount owed, and if applicable name on account and account number. The landlords should also fill out vendor forms and fax them to 513-946-7270. The vendor forms are attached for convenience. Ms Wilcher disburses those between herself and a second employee (Amber Hill).  This is first priority work for these two employees and it typically moves very quickly.  Once approved/ denied the applicant is sent an email with the decision. Invoices along with the approval letter get sent to Brandy Scott Herrmann for payment to be received.
Prospective Vendor Letter of Commitment 2020
Hamilton County CARES Act Rent and Utility Assistance Application
Vendor Registration Form

​​NAA RESPONDS TO CDC EVICTION MORATORIUM

As you know, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the direction of the President, filed an order in the Federal Register yesterday to temporarily halt residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. National Apartment Association (NAA) members should prepare for the order to go into effect this Friday, September 4. It will bar evictions of renters in residential housing until December 31, 2020. Here is what you need to know about the order.

 

CBRE PRESENTS LOCAL MARKET AND INVESTMENT UPDATE - NOVEMBER 2020

Courtesy of CBRE
Click here to see the presentation
Watch the video presentation here.

 

​EVICTION PREVENTION HELP

This notice includes information about who to contact for information about your legal rights in eviction, and resources for help. If you are facing eviction, do not wait to seek help.
Spanish Version (versión en español)

 

NAA CREATES PROMOTIONAL PIECES TO BREAK DOWN A DOLLAR OF RENT

Courtesy of the National Apartment Association

Because there exists a misconception that rental housing owners enjoy large margins and can continue operating in the absence of rent payments, and with so much discussion around rents during COVID-19, NAA has released resources for affiliates to use to help explain the breakdown of $1 of rent: an explanatory video and companion infographic breaking down a dollar of rent into its component parts.

There are several points to make in your conversations with policymakers and your community to help them understand the importance of rent payments:

1. To counter conversations centered on rent freezes and rent strikes; to argue against the perception that owners are greedy and are unconcerned about their residents, and to reinforce that the wider community benefits from rents being paid on time and in full, to include how property taxes finance the needs of the community; investors in apartments include public pensions and 401(k)s, on which many Americans rely for their own retirement.


2. With one-third of renters paying partial or no rent in April, and as unemployment increases, it’s reasonable to expect that this number will rise. In addition to encouraging members to work with their residents on payment plans, it will be to continue to reinforce that the local community and society at-large are beneficiaries of rent payments.

3. The portion of rent for payroll includes onsite professionals who are always essential workers, more so amid the uniquely challenging environment presented by COVID-19. Apartment residents will suffer if ongoing maintenance, emergency repairs, resident engagement efforts and other critical onsite functions decline or cease.

4. To reinforce the need for residents who are otherwise financially unaffected to continue to pay rent on time and in full; to join for calls to withhold rent ultimately harms the entire community.

5. With roughly two-thirds of apartment mortgages backed by private lenders, and therefore ineligible for mortgage forbearance via the CARES Act; mortgage defaults for small- and mid-size portfolios jeopardize the housing of all residents and the future of the industry (as well as terminating investments in bonds backed by those mortgages). With so many small businesses operating rental housing, their futures depend on socializing this information.

If you need any assistance at all, whether it be talking points, technical assistance or any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mark Franks at the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association.

 

CLEANING AND DISINFECTING YOUR FACILITY

Everyday Steps, Steps When Someone is Sick, and Considerations for Employees

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SUMMARY OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Some suggested Best Management Practices:

1. Build in redundancy – make sure multiple people can handle situations based upon your organizational size in case of sickness or quarantine.
2. For Residents: make payment agreements with those who cannot pay, similar to when the government shutdown occurred.
3. Sanitizing: consider focused efforts on cleaning handrails and doorknobs (high touch areas).
4. Leasing: minimize interactions with applicants and residents.

  • Consider virtual tours and interviews. 
  • Utilize Skype, Zoom, Facetime, etc.
  • Allow residents to notify management of sickness or self-quarantining.

5. Maintenance: Minimize being inside units.

  • Limit unit entry to emergency repairs.
  • Focus on common area repairs.
  • Communicate with residents on the definition of emergency.

6. Community Rooms and centers: with limits being set by health professional for the number of people gathered, seriously consider if the rooms should be open at all.

7. Move-ins move outs.  With fair housing in mind, set your policy and stick to it.  

8. Increased deliveries – now is the time to support non-interactive deliveries, be aware of those who may have difficulty in retrieving packages.

9. Communicate with residents and staff!   Especially about reduced office/staff hours.

10. Staff: make health a priority- cleaning, and not coming to work if sick or exposed.
 
Above all: please follow CDC, federal, state, and local guidance, including posting signage as to what you are doing, and where people can get more information.
Along those lines, please consider:
            Apply for Small Business Administration loans if needed, or at least get on their radar.
            Review your disaster preparedness plan, update accordingly with home and cell numbers.
            Be prepared for text and email, as phone circuits may become overloaded.
            Many cities are moving to a triage process for inspections, with federal inspections suspended.
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SAMPLE POLICY LETTER TO RESIDENTS

This is a sample policy letter to use for concerned residents. Please adapt to your individual use but always consult with your legal team.

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Click here for a guide to local resources to help your residents and community.
GCNKAA Outreach Rental Assistance Programs
Additional Rental Assistance Programs

 

PROPER USAGE OF THE N95 MASKS

If you or staff are going to the point of utilizing N95 masks, please review the following information to do so properly.

RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES AND RESIDENTS

Stay Calm and Carry On: COVID-19 Recommendations for Property Managers by Elaine Simpson
What To Do If Your Resident is Exposed to COVID-19 from the National Apartment Association
Until Further Notice by Elaine Simpson
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Resources

 

HELP FROM OUR VENDORS

Below are some links to how some of our vendor members can help you:

Cleaning Assistance
Belfor Property Restoration
Calloway Cleaning

Face Masks and Shields
Allegra Cincinnati

Forehead Thermometers
GAP Advertising

Technology Options
​Cincinnati Bell