The Emergency Rental Assistance program, which the United States Department of Treasury funds, provides financial assistance to households that are unable to pay their rent or utility bills as a result of financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Charleston County renters and landlords who meet the qualifications for the program can apply by visiting the Renter or Landlord Application page.
The county will resume accepting applications on March 1, 2022, with the deadline being March 1, 2022.
Application and Information for Renters
You may be facing eviction if you are a tenant who has noticed a decrease in your income and believes it is a result of COVID-19. This program can be a great match for your needs and goals.
Rent will not be paid more than the amount of real rent owed by the applicant under the terms of the program.
The landlord will be reimbursed for the rent in full and immediately.
Payments for rental assistance will be provided directly to the companies in question.
Eligibility for Participation in the Program
Rental assistance in Charleston SC can be beneficial to both landlords and tenants at the same time. When it comes to applying for financial assistance, both parties are eligible; nevertheless, the renter’s eligibility is decided by his or her address and capacity to meet the following federal requirements:
When the following elements are present, the Charleston renter is at risk of being homeless, experiencing housing instability, or living in hazardous conditions:
- Notice of eviction has been served.
- A notice of a power outage has been issued.
- Notice of non-payment of past-due rent
- Utility bills that are past due are sent out.
- Any other signs of unstable housing and harmful or unhealthy living conditions should be considered.
As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the renter or a member of the renter’s household is unemployed or has experienced financial troubles and needs assistance with rent.
To qualify for this financial assistance, the renter’s household income must be less than or equal to 80 percent of the Area Median Income in the area in which the tenant lives (AMI).
How to Submit an Application: Assistance to Households
- Fill out the Neighborly online application form.
ASSISTANCE FOR RENT: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
- For the applicant, co-applicant, and all adults in the household, a current driver’s license or other government-issued picture ID is required (the driver’s license must match the address where the applicant lives and is seeking rental and financial assistance).
- It is necessary to provide a copy of the most recent lease or rental agreement.
- Eviction Notice (notice of eviction) (if applicable)
- Demonstration of financial resources:
- Return on Federal Income Taxes for 2020
- Documentation demonstrating each family member’s source of income (Alimony, Child Support, Gross Pay, Investment Income, No Income, Pension, Retirement, Social Security, Unemployment Comp)
- Attest to the existence of supporting documents demonstrating COVID-19-related hardship.
- If you request rental and financial assistance, please bring your most recent utility bills (water, electricity, and gas).
- Notice of Disconnection from the Internet (if any)
- Other housing assistance award letters/checks are also available (if applicable)
Application and Information for Landlords
Procedures for Submitting an Application
Fill out the Neighborly online application for rental assistance to learn how to become a landlord. Registering is possible at any time, including before receiving a rental application from a prospective tenant.
What information do I need to provide to finish my registration?
You must submit your W-9 form to register as a landlord. Once your registration has been approved, you will be notified by email that it has been approved.
- To qualify, you must either own rental property or provide a copy of the property’s management agreement.
- Evidence of compliance with the business licensing standards set forth by your local municipality
- It is necessary to give a copy of the most recent rental ledger.
- A copy of the tenant lease is requested if the renter has not already provided one with the application.Landlord Application
Click here to learn more about how to find new rental housing and receive financial assistance after being evicted or temporarily displaced. HUD and SC Housing both have information for homeowners looking for mortgage assistance.
Additional Resources and Affordable Housing Links:
Palmetto Community Action Partnership, Charleston SC
Rent And Utility Help – Neighbors Together
Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance – City of North Charleston, SC
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Denise Madison, age 34, is an expert in housing policy and rental assistance. Denise earned her Master’s in Public Administration from McGill University, focusing her thesis on the effectiveness of rental assistance programs in major Canadian cities. After graduation, she worked with the Canadian government before transitioning to a consulting role in the United States, aiding in the enhancement of federal housing policies and programs. Denise is known for her practical workshops and seminars aimed at landlords and tenants, fostering better understanding and compliance with housing laws. When not at work, Denise cherishes time with her husband and their three young children, exploring the outdoors and teaching them about the importance of community involvement.
