The recently announced federal moratorium on evictions due to COVID-19 removes one of the most potent barriers to participating in the EP Rent Help Program.
The moratorium extends to more rental properties than previous federal and local moratoriums.
Program officials share that, while the EP Rent Help Program makes up for previously missed rent payments, many were hesitant to participate. The program requires they not evict tenants who received assistance even if they fail to make rent payments for 60 days after the assistance is received.
“Since evictions are virtually halted through the end of the year anyway, we hope those landlords who were previously discouraged will now apply on behalf of their tenants and take advantage of these funds which can help stabilize their businesses and remove uncertainty from the lives of their tenants,” said Mica Short, Vice President of Development for the Paso del Norte Community Foundation.
“As other forms of direct assistance begin to go away, another wave of critical need is likely on the horizon and we want to help landlords and tenants get ahead of that.”
Funded by federal CARES Act dollars administered by the City of El Paso, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation and its partners have disbursed more than $1.3 million to landlords across El Paso as part of the EP Rent Help Program.
Important Facts About the EP Rent Help Program
- Landlords must apply on behalf of their tenants.
- Tenants must have suffered financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Tenants will be required to provide information to their landlords to complete the application.
- We will not ask your immigration status nor will it be used in making decisions about who receives
- funding awards.
For more information, visit EPRentHelp.org.
