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Louisiana Launches New Program to Assist Renters and Landlords Impacted by COVID-19
Louisiana REALTORS • March 5, 2021
Today, the state of Louisiana is launching a new program that will provide financial assistance to renters and landlords experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program can cover both past-due rent and future rent. Funded through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133), this relief package includes $25 billion for emergency rental assistance, of which $161 million has been allocated to the state to provide assistance in 57 Louisiana parishes. The parishes of Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany will administer their own programs.
For questions about the program or assistance with the application process, renters or landlords can call 877-459-6555.
The Louisiana Housing Corporation, in partnership with the Louisiana Office of Community Development, will administer the state program which will focus on paying rental arrears, or past-due rent, and up to three months of future rent for eligible applicants. Priority will be given to households where at least one member has been unemployed for more than 90 days due to COVID-19, and to households earning less than 50 percent of the Area Median Income, as required by the law.
Louisiana renters may be eligible for assistance from the state-administered program if they meet all of the following criteria:
• They qualify or previously qualified for unemployment benefits, or experienced an income reduction or other financial hardship due to COVID-19.
• They are not current on rent payments or at risk of eviction.
• Their total household income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income.
Louisiana landlords may apply on their tenant’s behalf.
To participate in the state-administered program, landlords must not evict a tenant for at least 60 days after the assistance ends and must forgive late fees, penalties, interest and court costs. The reimbursement rate for the state-administered program is 120% of the HUD-established Fair Market Rents (FMR) for the parish in which the property is located.
To learn more or to apply for the state program, tenants and landlords can visit www.LAStateRent.com.
For questions about the program or assistance with the application process, renters or landlords can call 877-459-6555.
Renters in the 57 designated parishes affected by business shutdowns, closures, layoffs and reduced work hours as well as those receiving enhanced unemployment benefits are strongly encouraged to apply.
Programs administered by Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes, may vary in terms of eligibility, prioritization, benefits, reimbursement rates and application process.
PROGRAM RESOURCES:
RENTER RESOURCES:
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As a Louisiana REALTOR® you have the power to shape communities and ensure fair housing opportunities for all. Fair housing advocacy is not just about compliance with the law; it’s about fostering inclusive, diverse, and thriving neighborhoods.
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on alternative listing options. This guide covers the role that MLSs play in marketing a home, office exclusive and delayed marketing exempt listing options, and the disclosure required when filing an exempt listing. For additional information and helpful resources on the new Multiple Listing Options for Sellers policy, please check out facts.realtor . As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Marketing Your Home Seller Disclosures Thank you for continuing to engage with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover deeds and titles.
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