Orange County Switches From Eviction Diversion to Emergency Rental Assistance in March 2021

Orange County has provided more than $11 million in housing aid to local residents under its eviction diversion program. There are still many residents who are still in need of assistance, and the county has funds available to help Orange County tenants stay in their homes. But the program will be a little different starting in March 2021.

It is important for residents to understand these changes, so they are able to access funds under the new program. Click Orlando reports that both the eviction diversion program and the emergency rental assistance programs have the goal of distributing federal funds to help ensure that local residents can stay in their homes. But there are some changes that make funds more available under the new program guidelines.

Tenants need only be one month behind on rent (whereas two months were required under the previous program), and assistance is capped at $10,000 (as opposed to just$4000 under the prior program). There are also some new rules that make it more difficult to access funds under the new program. Aid will only be given for past due rent, and priority will be given to families making at or below 50percent of the median area income. (Applicants must be at or below 80 percent of the median area income in order to qualify for the program.) 

The coronavirus has had a devastating financial impact on Florida families, and many tenants are still struggling to ensure they can stay in their homes. There is still help available for Orange County tenants, and the experienced Casselberry and Oviedo eviction attorneys at Quattrochi, Torres, and Taormina can help you access it, or find other solutions for your housing needs. Call 407.452.4918 or  contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.