Nassau to provide relief for struggling renters

Nassau County is launching a new $6 million program to provide rent assistance to eligible renters.

The Rental Relief Program, to be administered by the Community Development Corporation of Long Island, will give up to three months of unpaid rent for the period beginning in April 2020, according to a county statement.

Payments from the program will be made directly to the landlord or property owner after the tenant’s loss in wages/pay and income eligibility has been demonstrated.

To be eligible, a renter’s total household income must be at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income. For a single person the maximum income is $70,900; for two persons $81,050; for three persons $91,150.

Monthly rental payments can go up to 2020 Fair Market Rents established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by unit size: $1,298 for a studio; $1,624 for a one bedroom; $1,992 for a two bedroom and $2,563 for a three bedroom. 

The funding for the program comes from the county’s allotment of Community Development Block Grant–COVID-19 relief funds distributed through HUD.

Beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, CDCLI will ask interested residents to submit an “Initial Inquiry Form,” which will allow its staff to make an initial determination about the potential applicant’s eligibility. The form will be available online beginning at 8 a.m. on Jan. 6. at cdcli.org