The Short Term Rental, Mortgage, and Utilities assistance is designed to be a short-term, needs-based intervention to prevent homelessness. As such, individuals must meet the following additional criteria in order to receive assistance:
• Client must be currently housed. Homeless individuals are not eligible for assistance. Assistance is provided to help homeowners and renters remain in their current place of residence.
• Client must be able to document that he/she has a legal right to occupy the premises or has responsibility for the utility payment.
Examples of acceptable documentation are follows:
- Rental Payments: Client must be a named tenant under valid lease or referenced in lease as occupant of the premises.
- Mortgage Payments: Client must demonstrate that he/she is owner of mortgaged real property (mortgage, deed of trust, title insurance policy).
- Utility Payments: Client must have account in their name or proof of responsibility to make utility payments (copies of money orders, cancelled checks, receipts).
• Client must demonstrate he/she does not have the resources to meet rent, mortgage, or or utility payments, and in the absence of this assistance, would be at risk of homelessness.
- Documentation of a default or late payment notice is not required: client can provide copies of bank statements and bills to demonstrate need.
• Client must be current with SLAC’s paperwork. Reassessment is required every 6 months.
• Client CANNOT be receiving any other government housing assistance (Sec. 8, Housing Authorities, Shelter Plus, Tenant-Based program, VOA housing, etc.)
Eligible Expenses
• Rent and Mortgage Assistance
- Must be reasonable and represent actual housing costs.
- The amount of assistance provided is not limited to Fair Market Rents or “reasonable rent”.
• Utility Assistance
Note: SLAC may establish caps (limits) for rent, mortgage, or utility assistance.
Ineligible Expenses
• Security Deposits and First Month’s Rent
- Assistance is designed to help homeowners and renters stay in their current place of residence; as a result, security deposits and first month’s rent are not eligible costs under this program. However, such costs are eligible as Permanent Housing Placement costs (under the supportive services activity).
• Moving Assistance
• Household Supplies and Furnishings
• Automoblie Expenses
• Telephone Expenses
- Telephone expenses are not payable as a utility expense under this assistance. However, such expenses may be covered as a supportive service expense in limited circumstances.
• Bills with cut off notice or reconnection fees.
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