Rental Assistance Available Despite Eviction Moratorium Ending

The nationwide eviction moratorium ended Saturday, July 31. This comes as more than seven million households are behind on rent, according to the latest Census Bureau survey data. 

All Oklahomans will have to start paying their monthly rent again after the pandemic put a hold on that for more than a year. But resources are still out there if you are one of the 17% of Oklahoma households who is behind on rent.

The first is from the City of Tulsa and Restore Hope Ministries. The two partnered up for the Emergency Rental Program. 

To apply, you must: 

1. live in Tulsa County
2. be older than 18
3. have a household income at or below 80-percent of the area median income
4. have lost your job or suffered financial hardships because of COVID-19

You can apply online and must have four pieces of documentation on hand. Those include:

1. government-issued ID
2. copy of your lease
3. utility bill
4. unemployment verification, taxes, check stub, or other income verification

Another resource is Legal Aid. For that, you need to bring your eviction notice and lease agreement to one of their lawyers and make sure you show up for your eviction hearing. 

You can apply for Legal Aid by calling 211 or calling their application hotline at 1(888) 534-5243. "They can apply with us, apply with us ahead of the docket. Tenants have legal rights, and we will be there enforcing them," said Greg Beben, a Legal Aid attorney. Click Here for more information on Legal Aid.

Because of federal funding, Community Cares Partners has $210 million to help tenants who need rent or utility assistance. Only $40 million has been spent. 

"Don't even wait until you get a late notice if it is a struggle to pay rent to apply. Apply now so we can get you in a queue, and we can process your application," said Ginny Bass Carl, the Executive Director of Community Cares Partners. 

Community Cares has already helped 9,000 families. They see about 400 applications every day, so it takes about eight weeks to get you the assistance.