This post has been updated.
Renters in Fort Lauderdale struggling to make payments, due to the pandemic, still have a chance to get financial help from the city.
The city will pay up to six months of back-rent directly to landlords as part of its program. It's part of federal funds.
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Rachel Williams, the manager of Fort Lauderdale's Housing and Community Development Division, said in order for renters to qualify for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, COVID-19 needs to have negatively impacted their finances.
"So if you were laid off, if your company went out of business, if your job hours were reduced causing a reduction of income in your household — and you're within the city limits of Fort Lauderdale and a renter — you can apply," she said.
Williams also said people should keep a look out for their own cities' social media accounts for information about similar programs.
"If you have a phone, you don't have to be very computer savvy, and you're on any of these social media. Just connect to your local municipality so that you can be informed of what's available out there," she said.
The city has partnered with the non-profit, Consolidated Credit Solutions, to handle the intake process when people apply.
"Go ahead and apply because we do have about $600,000 left in funding and that can go a long way," Williams said. "Just apply and go through the qualification process. The first step is to try."
How To Apply:
Rental households and landlords can download the application here.
Send the application and all required documents to: ftlrent@consolidatedcredit.org, or via fax to: 888-246-9722
If you have questions regarding eligibility, you can call directly at 1-833-FTL-Rent (1-833-385-7368)
Correction: An earlier version of this story identified Consolidated Credit Solutions as a loan company. The non-profit financial organization does not lend money. We regret the error.
