Rental assistance opens today in Orlando; here’s how to apply

ORLANDO, Fla. — If you live in Orlando and need help catching up on rent, help is available.

On Monday, the city of Orlando opened applications for its rental assistance program for people still struggling financially because of the pandemic.

The city of Orlando has $6.8 million ready to distribute to households financially impacted by COVID-19.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The program is expected to help hundreds of families who live in the city.

“We’ve got this funding available, and we’d like to start getting it out,” said Oren Henry, director of housing and community development.

Henry said it’s unclear how long this funding will last Henry said.

Read: I-4 express lanes in final stages of completion, awaiting opening date

“It depends on how many applicants we get and how much back rent they owe,” Henry said.

“To qualify, you need to be at 80% of median income or less and if you’re unemployed that’s a priority. If you’re at 50% of median or less that’s also a priority,” Henry said.

Read: Looking for work? Universal Orlando Resort to hire 2,500 new team members

This is the city’s third round of rental relief since the pandemic started.

“What we’re starting to see are people who may have come in to the program last year and got maybe six months of back rent and then they are still unemployed or under employed and they’re having a difficultly getting caught up,” Henry said. “It will help a lot of people rest easier knowing that they are current on their rent.”

Read: Falling iguanas: See lizards litter Florida neighborhoods after temps plummet

To apply for rental assistance, CLICK HERE.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group