Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. The RAFT COVID program is presented as an option to landlords, who may, according to its language, decide whether or not to accept the funding in excess of $4,000. Applications processed on or after Aug. 1, 2022, are eligible to receive up to $10,000 in RAFT funds. This would seem to suggest that RAFT cannot be refused even when it would not fully cover arrears. 3. This included applications received prior to that date that were not processed until after the first. }w~W. There are many cases in Massachusetts in which landlords are owed rent of well over $10,000, such that RAFT alone would not cure arrearages or cover foreseeable future shortfall. If an asking rent price for a particular unit is above fair market rent or payment standard, discrimination law does not require a landlord to take less than the full rent to accommodate Section 8 recipients. Also, in order to qualify for RAFT COVID funds, tenants household income must be at or below 50% of Area Median Income. Please do not include personal or contact information. They can also provide a copy of their application for unemployment insurance, documentation of loss of insurance or documentation of the death of a household member who contributed to the households income. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited, but additional documents can be attached if necessary. 1411 Tremont Street Your email address will not be published. RAFT - Community Teamwork Homeowners may be eligible for assistance through the Homeowners Assistance Fund. Applying online is the most direct and efficient way to apply for financial assistance. Email to [email protected]. City of Las Vegas 'RAFT' to help tenants behind on rent This was much higher than previously and since. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. Click here for Applicant Portal First Time Home Buyers who currently live in one of these communities may be eligible for a Home Read More A households income must be at or below 50 percent. You skipped the table of contents section. The RAFT COVID programs stated optionality may leave landlords who opt out exposed to litigation. RAFT provides qualifying households with up to $10,000 per year to preserve current housing or move to new housing. RAFT does not serve homeowners. The RAFT program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. Landlords of tenants who receive RAFT COVID funds do not lose the right to evict due to lease violations, or in the event that agreements including use of RAFT funds are not complied with. You can find more information on RAFT and other housing resources by dialing 2-1-1, contacting your local Housing Consumer Education Center(HCEC), or at the following links: Emergency Housing Payment Assistance during COVID-19, Report fraud, waste, or abuse of the RAFT program, Please listen for phone menu options for DHCD divisions. 172. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and response, the state of Massachusetts initially made an additional $5 million available for RAFT. In this article, well look at what RAFT is, who it is designed to benefit, how it affects landlords and the areas where it could be doing more for families in need. RAFT / HAF - For Landlords - Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance If both parties are amenable to changing the agreement, the tenant would not have to reapply, butthey would need to executea new agreement. Landlords of any size may now apply for emergency rental assistance on behalf of their tenants. Also, the MassLandlords Helpline is a valuable resource for business advice and legal information. Proceed with caution if you are a landlord considering declining RAFT COVID funding, especially in cases in which the funds would fully cover rent arrears, could cure nonpayment, and/or stabilize the tenancy. People applying for RAFT must do so in the region where they intend to use their RAFT benefits. Work with your renters to provide your part of the information as soon as requested. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. Each assistance application will have two parts, one for landlords and one for tenants. Both programs can be used in coordination with short-term rental assistance such as RAFT or local sources of financial aid, but it is not necessary to apply for RAFT in order to participate. Learn more about RAFT here. The answer is no, RAFT funding can be spent on any housing needs that will keep someone from becoming homeless. Image: CC BY-SA Pixabay. Thank you for your website feedback! Massachusetts Community Mediation Centers also offer free pre-court mediation between landlords and tenants for COVID-19 related lease disputes in addition to the summary process cases referred through the courts. RAFT can cover utilities, moving costs, and overdue rent, as well as future rent in limited situations. Podemos ayudar. Massachusetts' Rental Assistance for Families in Transition program, or RAFT, offers funds for eligible households facing eviction, loss of utilities or other housing . Once you submit your application through the online portal, a Regional Administering Agency (RAA) or the Rental Assistance Processing Center (RAP Center) will process your application. Better Lives. Prior to COVID-19, families could obtain no more than $4,000 from RAFT within a 12-month period. RAFT can cover utilities, moving costs, and overdue rent. These twelve organizations process RAFT applications, request additional documentation as needed, and administer RAFT benefits (directly to the landlord or utility provider). They can use it for first and last months rent, a security deposit or even furniture (furniture expenses are capped at $1,000). Or acceptance of reduced rent for the period of the agreement? We will use this information to improve this page. c. 151B s. 4 states that it is an unlawful practice: For any person furnishing credit, services or rental accommodations to discriminate against any individual who is a recipient of federal, state, or local public assistance, including medical assistance, or who is a tenant receiving federal, state, or local housing subsidies, including rental assistance or rental supplements, because the individual is such a recipient, or because of any requirement of such public assistance, rental assistance, or housing subsidy program.. Fair Housing Policies & Procedures | Privacy Policy, Lynn HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Community Forum Information. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, How Landlords Can Apply for RAFT, is, Upload Documents or Check Application Information, Call Massachusetts 2-1-1, Informational and referral hotline at, Landlords must obtain and submit asigned tenant consent form beforeapplying for assistance., determineincome eligibility for themetro area of your property. RAFT/ERMA Landlord Application Instructions - Massachusetts Log in or join today and gain access all presentations and videos. C( QA%TD2*HTpA2EVHST0 QHH-W$2PgAEVA Households can apply by submitting an online application. Fax . As discussed earlier, families who receive RAFT funding can use that money for a variety of purposes to avoid becoming homeless or to find housing if they are currently homeless. Home - NeighborWorks Housing Solutions RAFT can provide up to $10,000 per household within a 12-month period to help preserve current housing or move to new housing. Program administrators will determine if your application qualifies for ERMA or RAFT. When calling, please leave your name, call back number and application number. Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Applying for Rental Assistance in Massachusetts to Avoid Eviction, online through the Commonwealths Central Application, contact the Housing and Community Development, Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program. Some regionals are releasing funds within three weeks of receiving a complete application. The state RAFT program may provide up to $10,000 for rent and other housing costs, including moving expenses. If a family is eligible at this point, they must prove that the assistance they receive from RAFT will stabilize the current housing situation. In other words, a family applying for RAFT must show that after the funds are applied, they have enough income to either obtain new housing, remain in their current housing or otherwise avoid homelessness. MassLandlords interprets this to mean that a family who was facing eviction could, for example, obtain RAFT funding to get current on their rent and remain in housing, rent a new place, or use the money to pay court-ordered debts and then move in with family. Note that you as the landlord must provide information for the RAFT application. Please do not include personal or contact information. RAFT can cover utilities, moving costs, and overdue rent costs, as well as future rent in limited situations. A Landlord's Guide to Massachusetts' Residential Assistance for Better Communities. Effective August 1, 2022 the maximum benefit limit on the RAFT Program is $10,000 per household in a 12-month period. Under review tells the landlord or tenant that the application portions have been matched up, and it is being reviewed for eligibility. Landlord/Property Owner Portal Reference Guide Information for Applicants Effective August 1, 2022 the maximum benefit limit on the RAFT Program is $10,000 per household in a 12-month period. RAFT can cover utilities, moving costs, and overdue rent. Not submitted means an application has been started, but not completed and turned in. Refusing RAFT = Discrimination? Yes, Says Attorney General Starting Nov. 14, landlords or tenants in these areas were able to file new RAFT applications through the portal. Residential Assistance for Families in Transition could pay for moving costs, paying owed rent or utilities, security deposits or first/last months rent, among other uses. Those administering the screening have some discretion in determining eligibility based on the tool. However, Fisher went on, there doesn't appear to be any language to the effect that an existing landlord with an arrearage would have any priority over a successor landlord if the tenant chose to move into a new property. The extra RAFT funds from the federal government were meant to be used within a specific amount of time. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Wednesday 8 AM 4 PM The landlord contacted VLP to seek legal advice. Search Eviction Records by Address (Beta). You skipped the table of contents section. Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Emergency Rental Assistance: Landlord Journeys. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Tenants can also apply directly. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boston is approximately $1,927 (taken from a combination of averages calculated by listing rental agencies Zumper and apartmentlist.com). The RAFT COVID program appears to be presented as an option for landlords to accept or decline. However, applications received after Aug. 1, 2022, will only be considered if the applicant has received a notice to quit, eviction notice or court summons related to rent arrears. Please do not include personal or contact information. If an individual needs assistance in completing their form, mass.gov reports that the regional agencies can provide help. 24th Annual Mulligan Tournament Friday, June 9th, 2023 8:00AM Purchase Tickets and Sponsorships RAFT For Tenants, Landlords & Utilities Important Rental Assistance Update New RAFT Applicant? ?kB9z If they have no future income, a landlord would have expectation of additional losses. The best way to apply is online. It is very important landlords coordinate with tenants before they apply for rental assistance. The RAFT program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. The landlord will receive a special code they must enter in the portal before completing their portion of the application. This could be in the form of emergency rent assistance to avoid eviction (or help paying rent going forward, if the family applying is in search of housing or has already been evicted). Until Jan. 1, 2023, a Notice to Quit must be accompanied by information about tenants rights and rental assistance options. The program started Nov. 14 in two regions, with statewide rollout expected sometime in mid-December. The program can also be used to help families who are already homeless pay for necessary costs to get into a house or apartment. Landlords should be aware that Chapter 151B of the Massachusetts General Laws prohibits discrimination by a landlord against any tenant receiving federal, state, or local housing subsidies . TheVolunteer Lawyers Projectassists low-income owners of 1-4 family homes with referrals, legal information, and legal representation for COVID-related evictions statewide in Housing Court. RAFT provides qualifying households with maximum benefit limit of $10,000 per household in a 12-month period. Thank you! A list of regional agencies can be found at the Massachusetts Housing Consumer Education Centers site. Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program Language Assistance Plan (LAP) | Reasonable Accomodations, function googleTranslateElementInit() { During(or after)the RAFT benefit period, the tenant does notmeet themonthly rent payment obligationthat is stated in the agreement. Office of Housing Stability - City of Revere, Massachusetts Open to all. Community mediation and free or low-cost legal assistance for eligible parties can help landlords work with tenants to avoid eviction. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A map of DHCDs regional administering agencies throughout the state with names in key.CC-BY SA 4.0 MassLandlords. One way of proving eligibility can be by providing a months worth of pay stubs, or self-certification that this source of income is gone. The maximum benefit cap for RAFT is $10,000 over a 12-month period. Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT). RAFT gives short-term financial assistance to low-income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. If you have questions regarding how to complete the application, please contact Metro Housings Housing Hub at 617-425-6700 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Submitted lets the landlord or tenant know that the application has been submitted but is still waiting for the other party to match with the application using the specialized code. The administering agency could require a handrail to be installed, even though this would cause the landlord to lose money on the Section 8 rental compared to a market rental, which would not necessarily trigger enforcement of that part of the code (ignoring, for the sake of argument, that the handrail should be provided regardless of an inspection). Find your regional agency and income eligibility data, Find Spanish language resources for landlords, FAQs for landlords about accepting state funded rental assistance. This could include loss of income or increased expenses for those families in the higher income group (3080% AMI depending on funding source). Once it launches statewide, the portal will be available in eight languages. But considering the language in discrimination law 151B, theres too much risk and vulnerability for discrimination liability to take that step hastily. If a family had used RAFT funds to stave off becoming homeless, but in the end were not able to remain in housing, they could see less HomeBASE funding later on. Open the email and click on the link provided to create your Landlord application. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can also help youfind a housing counseling agency (HCA). _U#!R!NZd& This could include families who are facing eviction. For more information on the federal ERAP, SHERA, and ERMA programs, please visit this page. John Fisher, author of the Massachusetts Rental Owners Property Management Manual, said that RAFT regional agencies make direct payments to participating vendors (meaning landlords, utility companies, etc.). Forgiveness of arrearages or acceptance of reduced rent are not program requirements. The two pilot regions are Way Finders in the Greater Springfield region and the Housing Assistance Corporation, serving Cape Cod and the islands. ,h^$dXcbM/0&4EcTg$H]^A/H][LE1y Homeowners in need of mortgage assistance or other housing assistance may apply for the new Homeowner Assistance Fund (MA HAF) Program.