SALT LAKE CITY — Utah officials are urging those struggling financially because of COVID-19 to take part in rental assistance programs, no matter what their immigration-status may be.
Currently, there is more than $9 million available between city, county and state funds.
In a press release, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson explained there's been a surge in evictions this month especially in West Valley and the West side of Salt Lake City, which are places heavily impacted by COVID-19.
To qualify for relief, families must have a documented loss of income because of COVID-19 and have a gross income at or below 100% the area median income.
“The pandemic continues to take such a toll on our City’s hard-working families, many of whom faced financial struggles well before March,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall in a press release Wednesday. “We’re trying hard to get these rental assistance dollars into their hands, regardless of immigration status, because we know housing stability is absolutely essential to stable families, neighborhoods, cities and economies.”
Tenants protected under the Center for Disease Control's partial moratorium can't be evicted for not paying rent through the end of the year, but rent, late fees and penalties are still accounted for and if not paid by January 1, residents could be evicted.
City officials are hoping that Utahns in need will take advantage of the relief funding that is currently available before it's too late.
For more information on rent relief, click here or call 801-359-2444.
