Time is Running Out for Emergency Rental Assistance Program (New Hampshire)
We recently posted a blog with information on the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in New Hampshire. Below, find the details of what the program is, who qualifies, and an important outline of how the funds for the program may soon be running out.
Are you a tenant who has been affected by COVID-19 and are you experiencing difficulty paying rent or utilities? Are you a landlord with tenants that are behind in paying rent due to COVID-19?
The New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NHERAP) may be able to help. The program is designed to help eligible New Hampshire residents who cannot pay their rent and utilities (past due, current, and future) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords can also start the process by submitting the tenant’s application with their signature, a copy of the lease, documentation of any arrearages, and any documentation of the tenant’s income that you have. The New Hampshire Community Action Partnership agency will contact your tenant to complete the application process.
Who Qualifies?
As of October 1, 2021, eligibility guidelines for the NH Emergency Rental Assistance Program include:
- Households may qualify for assistance for past-due and future rent and utility payments, not to exceed 18 months.
- At least one person in the household must have qualified for unemployment, had their income reduced, incurred significant costs, or had other financial hardships due to the pandemic (certain income guidelines must be met).
What is Covered?
Past and future rent, utilities, home heating costs, water, sewer, trash, and other household costs.
Application Information
The funds in the program are administered by New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA), in collaboration with the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery (GOFERR) and the Community Action Partnership agencies.
Eligible residents can apply online here: https://www.capnh.org/covid19. Applications will be accepted in the order in which they are received. Your CAP agency will assist you in identifying the proper documentation and information you need.
For assistance or for more information: https://www.capnh.org/ (find the local CAP agency near you: https://www.capnh.org/cap-lookup) or call 2-1-1. You can also check out these helpful FAQs:
Tenants
https://www.nhhfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NHERAP-FAQ-Tenants.pdf
Landlords
https://www.nhhfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NHERAP-FAQ-Landlords.pdf
IMPORTANT UPDATE TO THE PROGRAM
Since the launch of the program in March of 2021, more than $200 million has been expended – assisting more than 20,000 households. It’s critical for landlords and tenants to know that NHERAP applicants are accepted on a first-come basis to enable applications to be processed timely and for households to receive assistance quickly.
When $225 million of NHERAP funds have been distributed, qualifying households at or below 50% of AMI and households with one or more individuals that have not been employed for the 90-day period preceding the date of application will be prioritized for the remainder of the NHERAP funds.
Contact the team at Leone, McDonnell & Roberts today to learn more about qualifying for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in New Hampshire.
