CARSON CITY–Since the launch of Nevada’s CARES Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) last week, a total of 3,085 applications have been submitted by tenants seeking rental assistance. But the Nevada State Treasurer said significant funds remain available.
“The majority of applicants are requesting between two and three months of assistance to cover missed rental payments,” a statement from the treasurer’s office said. “It is estimated that the State’s portion of the program will be able to cover 25,000 months of missed rent payments.”
CHAP’s $30 million in funding is provided through Coronavirus Relief Funds authorized under the CARES Act and administered by the Nevada Housing Division in coordination with Clark County Social Services, the Reno Housing Authority, and the Nevada Rural Housing Authority. Funds from the state’s rental assistance program will provided additional support to those needing rental assistance in Clark County.
The bulk of applications have come in from Clark County, with 1,963 applications received. The Reno Housing Authority has received 688 applications and the Nevada Rural Housing Authority has received 434 applications.
The treasurer’s office said CHAP funds will be awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis and will be paid directly to landlords on behalf of tenants. The funds are offered as a grant, and tenants will not be required to pay anything back.
In order to be eligible for funds, applicants:
- Must be a tenant in Nevada with a current, active lease in which back-rent is owed;
- Must be able to demonstrate financial hardship due to COVID-19 (loss of employment, reduction in work hours, and/or reduction in wages);
- Must have a gross annual household income that is at or below 120% of Area Median Income;
- Must not be receiving Federal Voucher Housing Assistance; and
- Must have household liquid resources less than $3,000.
Tenants who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and have missed rent payments can visit housing.nv.gov to begin the application process.
Applicants will be directed to the appropriate housing agency based on their county of residence. Upon successful completion of the application, tenants will be notified upon approval and funds will be disbursed directly to the tenant’s landlord.
More information about the program can be found in both ENGLISH and SPANISH or by calling 2-1-1.
