Update: Pinellas County COVID-Related Rental Assistance
More COVID-Related Rental Assistance Programs
Available in Pinellas County
Thanks to proactive efforts being taken, additional programs are being made available to Pinellas County residents who have been financially impacted by the COVID emergency and who are in need of rental assistance. BAAA hosted a webinar (below) on October 22 focusing on two of these programs, Pinellas CARES and the Rental Payment Project.
Additional information on these and other programs is available below. The following programs/resources are taking applications for assistance as of October 28, 2020.
Pinellas CARES
Implemented by Tampa Bay 211, the program provides up to $5,000 in rent and utility assistance to residents impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.
In order to qualify, residents must be able to show:
- Proof of Citizenship & Proof of Pinellas County Residency (Pinellas Real ID)
- Proof of Overdue Bill
- Signed Attestation Statement that applicant has less than $10,000 in liquid assets (checking/savings) and there was a loss of job/income due to COVID.
- Copies of the Lease and W9 of Landlord (211 will collect these directly from landlords)
Important notes:
- People who are currently working but because of COVID lost a job/had reduced hours/reduced income sometime after March 1, and still has overdue rent, can apply for assistance.
- People who have entered into payment plans with landlords and still have outstanding balances on those plans can apply for assistance.
For additional information on program requirements and to apply for assistance, please visit the program website.
Rental Payment Project
Implemented by Gulf Coast Legal Services, the program will cover all outstanding rent and late fees for residents financially impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. An applicant must qualify for both the program and be eligible to receive services from Gulf Coast Legal.
To qualify for the Rental Payment Project:
- Proof of Overdue Bill
- Able to demonstrate/attest to a loss of job/income due to COVID.
To qualify for services at Gulf Coast Legal:
- Residents under 60 years must be below 250% of the Federal poverty line at time of application (If a resident has lost their job and currently has no income, then the applicant should qualify).
- Residents over 60 years, no income limitations, however, priority will be given to those with lower incomes.
Important notes:
- Citizenship is not a requirement for assistance under this program.
- Assistance is available even if the applicant has exhausted all assistance available through Pinellas CARES or other programs.
Pinellas Eviction Diversion Program
The Community Law Program has just established the Pinellas Eviction Diversion Program (PEDP), which is designed to assist qualified residents and landlords who have been financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The PEDP provides mediation for residents/landlords in eviction disputes (both before and after an eviction has been filed), helps residents apply for available assistance, and if needed, helps the resident find a new home.
Pinellas Eviction Diversion Program flyer
City of St. Pete/Catholic Charities
Implemented by Catholic Charities, the COVID-19 Financial Assistance program is available to residents of City of St. Petersburg who can demonstrate a hardship related to COVID-19 may apply for rental assistance. Hardship could consist of hours lost at work, being furloughed or terminated from their jobs. Household income must be at or below 120% of Area Median Income (see chart below), have a 12-month lease, and can demonstrate St. Pete/US residency and income loss. For additional information on program requirements and to apply for assistance, please visit the program website.
St Pete/Catholic Charities COVID-19 Assistance Flyer
City of Largo
The City of Largo's Rent Assistance Program is again taking applications for assistance to residents financially impacted by COVID-19. Up to $8,000 in assistance is available. To qualify, applicants must be City of Largo residents, have a COVID-19 economic loss, and household income must be at or below 120% of Area Medium Income (see chart below). For additional information on program requirements and to apply for assistance, please go to the program website.
Largo rent assistance program flyer
City of Clearwater
Area Median Income Chart for Pinellas County
Below is the Area Median Income by household size being used by programs in Pinellas County.
