Rental assistance offered for those locally in need

Green Hills Community Ac- tion Agency can help renters who need help paying monthly rent and landlords who want a reliable source of income. The agency has funds available in all nine counties to assist tenants through its rental assistance program.

The rental assistance program is available to the public in all nine counties. It helps many elderly, handicapped, disabled and low-income individuals and families afford rental housing. Rental apartments, houses, mobile units and manufactured homes in the program must be in decent, safe and in sanitary condition and pass an inspection by the agency.

Eligible renters pay no more than 30 percent of their income for rent and utilities, but must pay a minimum of $50 a month. Renters must meet federal income eligibility requirements and the administrative policies set by GHCAA. Income guidelines are based on size of the family in the household.

Rental units in the program must meet the federal Housing Quality Standards and the fair-market rents are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Rents are based on comparable rents for the nine counties in the Green Hills area. They include a utility allowance also approved by HUD for the type of housing structure. Eligible renters may not have to move, if their unit meets program standards and their landlord agrees to participate.

The owner and the tenant must have a lease agreement for one year.

Participating landlords receive a monthly income paid in part by the tenant and in part by GHCAA. Tenants are responsible for their share of the rent, which is paid directly to their landlord.

To meet commitments in its strategic plan, GHCAA periodically offers workshops designed to educate renters on their rights and responsibilities and to increase communication and understanding between landlords and tenants. Landlords are invited and encouraged to participate in these workshops.

While GHCAA can refer clients to landlords participating in the program, it is the landlord’s responsibility to screen applicants and to manage the property. GHCAA inspects rental properties annually only for compliance with federal quality standards.

The first step in finding out if you qualify as a tenant or as a landlord is to call Phyllis at the Daviess County Service Center in Gallatin, 660-663-3211. She can explain the program and its qualifications and requirements in more detail. For Caldwell County, call Jo at the Caldwell County Service Center in Hamilton, 816-583-2022.

Editor’s note: Debbie Dinsmore is the Housing Assistance Coordinator for Green Hills Community Action Agency with main offices at Trenton.