The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have severely impacted the financial status of many Liberty County residents – especially frustrated landlords and anxious tenants. In March 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act which provided for an eviction moratorium through July 24, 2020, which was extended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) until July 31, 2021. Following the recent surge in cases brought forth by the highly transmissible Delta variant, the CDC issued a new Order temporarily halting evictions for persons in counties experiencing substantial or high rates of transmission which will expire on October 3, 2021. Unfortunately, Liberty County continues to experience a high rate of daily transmission.
However, there is potential help out there – if you know where and how to get it! The State of Georgia received $552 million from the U.S. Treasury’s Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program to provide relief to individuals, families and landlords. The funds will be used to bring past due utilities and rent current for households with rental arrears and will be distributed directly to landlords/utility companies. Eligible applicants can receive up to 12-15 months of payment relief.
Apply at georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov OR call 833-827-RENT
In order to be eligible, the following must be submitted:
TENANT REQUIREMENTS
· Identification (State ID or passport)
· Income documents for every adult (age 18 and older) in the household
· Past due rent notice or utility bills, provider and account number
· Copy of lease
· Unemployment eligibility OR a reduction in income, significant costs or financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19
LANDLORD DOCUMENTS
· Completed GRA Landlord Application
· Identification (State ID or passport)
· Proof of ownership or Authorization/Agreement to act on behalf of owner of management company
· Copy of Lease
· Ledger of tenant’s payment history in 2020 and 2021
· W-9 and bank information for ACH payment