Lycoming News

Clinton County issued the following announcement on Aug. 26.

Renters and landlords that have struggled throughout the COVID-19 pandemic will have the opportunity to apply for some relief.

Clinton County has received over $2.5 million in rental assistance funds from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) through the Rental and Utility Assistance Grant Program signed by Gov. Tom Wolf in February.

The Clinton County Housing Coalition will be administering $2,540,838.37 in rental assistance to renters and landlords within the county.

According to a frequently asked questions sheet on Clinton County Government's website, www.clintoncountypa.com, ERAP funds may be used to cover the following expenses:

- Rental arrears for up to 12-months for past due rent that has been accrued after March 13, 2020.

- Prospective rent payments up to three months.

- Utilities and home energy costs are separately stated charges related to the occupancy of rental property.

- Other expenses related to housing including, but not limited to, relocation expenses, rental fees, reasonable late fees, etc.

"Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, plus an additional three months if CCHC determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and funds are available," the FAQ sheet says.

The payment of existing housing-related arrears that may result in eviction will be the CCHC's top priority as well as households with incomes at or below 50 percent area median income.

Households approved for the program may be eligible to reapply to the program in the future.

RENTERS ELIGIBILITY

To receive assistance under the program, a eligible renter household must meet one or more of the following criteria:

- The tenant is a citizen or qualified non-citizen of the United States of America.

- The tenant has a valid lease in their name.

- The household has experienced a COVID-19 triggering event such as household/tenant qualified for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19.

- The household's annual income does not exceed 80 percent of the AMI, determined by the Housing and Urban Development. Verification of income is determined by the household's 2020 tax filing records, or confirmation of the household's monthly gross income 30 days prior to the application date.

- The household has not and will not receive rental assistance from any other source, including but not limited to, federal, state, and local rental assistance programs, for the same period ERA is requested.

LANDLORD ELIGIBILITY

Landlords, owners or property managers may also be eligible for the program if they meet the following criteria:

- Own or manage a rental property within Clinton County.

- That property must be occupied by the "eligible household" with a valid lease.

- Must provide a signed IRS Form W-9.

- Must provide a detailed description of the charges which are due.

Applicants for the program can apply either online or pick up a paper application by visiting the Clinton County Housing Coalition's office, 330 E. Main St. (rear), Lock Haven.

To apply online visit www.compass.state.pa.us and click the "get started" button under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program banner.

Applications submitted through this website will be received immediately for continued eligibility processing. Applicants must provide a valid email address and/or phone number. Members of CCHC will contact applicants for further information.

Additional information and applications can also be found at www.cchousingcoalition.org.

Original source can be found here.