Renter Resources Amid COVID-19
Financial Assistance
(Last Updated 11/12/2020)
If you know of any additional resources not listed, that should be, please contact us.
General:
Call 211 or visit WWW.NC211.ORG/RENT-PAYMENT-HELP
211 is a universal number (similar to 911 and 311) for community information and referral services. It is intended to connect individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies based on their situation and location. Wait times can be long, but you will be able to speak to a representative to give you additional resources.
Salvation Army
Searchable database of support services by zip code, city, or state. They also offer counselors available via phone (in English and Spanish) to help people connect with local services at 844-458-4673.
Resident Relief Foundation
Organization dedicated to helping responsible residents stay in their apartments during an unexpected financial emergency. You can apply for support, and managers can refer residents for financial aid. Learn more about our partnership with RRF.
NC Restaurant Relief Fund
Who can apply? Any hospitality employee of a North Carolina restaurant or hotel facing significant financial hardship due to a lay-off, furlough or reduction in hours as a direct result of the Coronavirus Pandemic – COVID-19.
NC Artist Relief Fund
This fund has been created to support creative individuals who have been financially impacted by gig cancellations due to the outbreak of COVID-19. 100% of donated funds will go directly to artists and arts presenters in North Carolina.
Help with Bills
Residents can learn about government programs to help pay for home energy bills and other expenses.
County Specific:
Durham County Social Services: Crisis Services
Residents of Durham County. For most of the programs, families must qualify according to income guidelines. For more information, please call 919-560-8000. Learn more.
Orange County Emergency Housing Assistance
The Emergency Housing Assistance fund was created under the Risk Mitigation and Housing Displacement Fund to help Orange County residents with low incomes secure and maintain stable housing. Learn more. Questions? Contact the Housing Helpline at HousingHelp@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2655
Telemon Corporation
Telamon will begin taking applications for tenants needing rental assistance in Wake County on Monday, August 10. There is $20 million available to spend on providing arrearage payments and ongoing assistance. Interested tenants/landlords can contact their offices for more information at 919-899-9911 or housing@telamon.org.
Wake Prevent!
Wake Prevent! is referral-based and accessible through the Coordinated Entry System for Wake County residents. To access Wake Prevent! as well as shelter and support services, individuals can call (919) 443-0096, email HW_AH@partnershipwake.org, or visit any of these Coordinated Entry Access Sites to set up an appointment.
House Wake!
The House Wake! Eviction Prevention Program seeks to prevent the displacement of Wake County renter households that suffered a loss of income as a result of COVID-19. Learn more, email housing@telamon.org, or call 919-899-9911.
Past/Previous Programs
NC's HOPE Program (Closed 11/11/2020)
The Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program is a new statewide initiative that may provide rent and utility assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to the economic effects of COVID-19. The new program will help prevent evictions and utility disconnections in order to promote housing stability during the ongoing pandemic. HOPE is an initiative of the NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency, a division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. The HOPE Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program – Coronavirus and the U.S. Department of the Treasury Coronavirus Relief Funds. If you are concerned about being evicted, click here to learn how the temporary eviction moratorium may be able to help you.
CARES Act Expanded Unemployment Insurance
Emergency Increase in Unemployment (888.737.0259). The CARES Act provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits through December 31, 2020 and an additional $600 per week per individual. This benefit includes those not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, those with limited work history and others) who are unable to work because of the COVID-19 emergency.
CARES Act Recovery Rebates
The CARES Act creates an advanced tax refund, or “recovery rebate,” direct payment program for individuals and families. The benefit is capped at $1,200 per individual, $2,400 per couple plus $500 per child. It is available to those with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 per individual, $112,500 for a head of household and $150,000 per couple. The rebates are phased out in 5 percent increments for single filers at $99,000, heads of household at $136,500 and joint filers at $198,000. The amount of the rebate is based on 2019 tax returns, or 2018 returns for those who have not yet filed for 2019. Taxpayers will
have to account for recovery rebates on their 2020 tax returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Last Updated 4/1/2020)
What should I do if I'm unable to pay my rent?
The most important thing that you can do is promptly communicate your situation with your Property Manager. When you contact them, it will improve your chances of getting the help you need if you provide documentation from an employer or other documentation that shows how you have been impacted by this crisis.
Ignoring notices and requests to contact your Property Manager is not advised. Frequent and timely communication is the best course of action.
Please remember that your property manager can’t help you if you do not communicate your situation with them. When court proceedings in the state resume you will still owe any amounts due and may be subject to eviction; therefore, trying to work with your property manager to make payment arrangements is your best course of action.
Do I still need to pay rent even though evictions have been halted?
Yes. North Carolina Supreme Court has halted most evictions, including for non-payment of rent, until April 17, 2020. The court’s temporary halt of evictions does not affect your obligation to pay rent, and continuing to pay your rent protects your rights as a renter under North Carolina law. Your Property Manager can still file the appropriate paperwork with the
courts to begin the eviction process for non-payment of rent. The temporary freeze on evictions does not mean you do not owe rent, it only delays the eviction process until the date set by the Supreme Court, which is currently April 17.
If you’re concerned you will not be able to pay your rent, we recommend that you communicate with your property manager with specific information about your situation to see what options they may be able to offer in this unusual circumstance. This crisis has affected all of us and TAA members want to do their part in helping people remain in their homes.
Like every other business, we have employees and supplier partners who depend on us for their livelihood, as well as other obligations we have to meet like insurance and utility bills. Failing to pay your rent hurts our ability to meet those obligations, as well as our ability to operate and maintain the property where you live. Ultimately it may also hurt your credit or result in an eviction once that process is reinstated.
I am a renter and need assistance paying my bills. Where can I go for help?
If you need rental payment assistance, there are several groups and agencies that can help. Many churches and other community non-profits also offer emergency financial assistance. There may also be assistance to help with other needs, such as utility or medical bills. The first step is to call 211 for assistance. (See more information above.)
Resident Services & Amenities
During this crisis, rental communities are following CDC recommendations to practice social distancing and take measures to limit the spread of the virus. As a result, rental properties may:
- Close select or all amenities
- Ask you to pay rent online
- Close office to non-employees
- Limit repairs to emergency situations only
We realize that these actions may be inconvenient but are intended to help protect you, your neighbors and people who work at the property.
Sources: Piedmont Triad Apartment Association; National Apartment Association