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FORWARD 4.0 Prototype

Jonathan's Rental Program Test

The City of St.

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Overview

The City of St. Louis Emergency Rental Assistance Program, in partnership with FORWARD, is providing $3,311,183.00 to help residents struggling with past-due rent resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding comes from the CARES Act through the CDBG-CV Rental Assistance Program. The program aims to offer a one-time payment to cover past-due rent charges to prevent evictions for those experiencing financial hardship. Applicants must provide evidence of financial hardship, such as unemployment or a decrease in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and currently be at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) with priority for households with 50% or less AMI. They will complete an application and submit the required documents to verify Updated Oct 9, 2024 their residency and rental arrears. FORWARD will verify eligibility for both the applicants and their landlords. Approved landlords will receive a one-time payment for rental arrears.

Eligibility Requirements

Income

  • Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to households at or below 50% AMI.

Residency

  • Applicant must reside within the City of St. Louis.

Age

  • Applicants must be 18 years or older or an emancipated minor aged 15 or older with documentation.

Housing

  • Rental assistance is only provided for the applicant's primary residence, and the residence must be at or below 150% of the Fair Market Rate (FMR) as determined by the City of St. Louis.
  • Applicants must demonstrate past-due rent and late fees owed, with late fees not exceeding 20% of the monthly base rent.
  • Households receiving a monthly rental subsidy are eligible to apply, but the program will only cover the portion of rent not already paid by other assistance programs.
  • Rental assistance will only cover one unit per application.

Other

  • Applicants must provide evidence of financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as unemployment, reduced income, or significant costs incurred.
  • Applicants must complete an application and submit required, verifiable documentation of residency and rental arrears.
  • Applicants must provide documentation demonstrating risk of housing instability, such as past-due rent notices, eviction notices, or court-ordered eviction case numbers.
  • Households with zero income must provide a Zero Income Certification, confirming no earned income, unemployment benefits, or financial assistance from other programs, and no assets.
  • Landlords must agree not to evict tenants for past rental arrears once payments are made by the program.
  • Landlords must agree to receive payment via ACH or manual check and accept a digital 1099 form.
  • Landlords must provide a completed W-9 form and verification of ownership, such as a property tax statement, property management agreement, or valid photo ID.
  • Landlords must agree to return funds in case of overpayment or payment for an ineligible tenant.

How to Apply

  • online

Benefits

Benefit amount: Varies per applicant (one-time)

housing

Required Documents

  • Government-issued identification (e.g., Driver's License, Passport, Military ID)
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Rent ledger verifying the balance of rent and late fees owed
  • Income verification (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs, unemployment compensation statement)
  • Proof of financial hardship resulting from COVID-19 pandemic
  • Address verification (e.g., utility bill, voter registration card)

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for Jonathan's Rental Program Test?

To be eligible, your household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, and you must reside in the St. Louis city limits. Additionally, you need to be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.

What documents do I need to apply?

You will need to provide evidence of residency, documentation of past-due rent and late fees, proof of financial hardship due to COVID-19, and any other required documentation specified in the application.

How do I apply for rental assistance?

You can apply by completing the application form and submitting all required documentation to verify your residency and rental arrears. Make sure to include proof of housing instability as well.

Is there a deadline for applying to the program?

The information provided does not specify a deadline for applications. Please contact us to confirm any deadlines that may apply.

What happens after I submit my application?

After you submit your application, it will be reviewed for eligibility. If approved, you will receive assistance for your past-due rent, provided your landlord agrees to the program's terms.

What if my landlord is not on board with the program requirements?

Your landlord must agree to specific terms, including not evicting you for past rental arrears after payments are made. If they do not agree, you may need to find a different solution.

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