Rent relief assistance program applications being accepted

New Yorkers who have fallen behind on paying their rent can apply for the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

It’s something tenants and landlords have been waiting for.

People have been unable to pay their rent due to hardships brought on by coronavirus.

The applications go through The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

There is $2.7 billion available.

Here are the qualifications to apply:

• Proof your income was impacted by COVID
• Notices that you have not paid your landlord
• You must earn less than 80% of the area median income. That’s $76,500 for a family of four in Albany.
• You are at risk of housing instability

If you need help applying, the United Tenets of Albany will help people without reliable internet access apply.

Renters will receive up to 12 months of back rent and utility payments, as well as three months of rent payments for the future.

The money will go directly to the landlord or property owner.

Landlords can also submit their own applications.

Learn about some groups expected to benefit from this program the most by watching the video of Emily De Vito’s story.

MORE INFORMATION: Emergency Rental Assistance Applications portal