Emergency Rental Assistance Program Expanded In Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County has expanded the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to cover up to three months of prospective rental payments.

Prospective rental payments will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be paid along with past due rent payments to provide an expanded shelter benefit to both tenants and their landlords, officials said. Additional fees, such as late fees, will also be considered for eligible months of approval.

Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa received federal funding to assist residents who are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program helps prevent recipients from experiencing further financial hardship or additional consequences to living conditions by providing eligible and approved households financial assistance for past-due rent and TECO electric bills.

Landlords are encouraged to actively participate to be eligible for funding. Registration is required for landlords to participate as a vendor in the program and receive funds directly on behalf of their approved tenants. Landlords can learn more here.