NMHC's survey showed that of actions taken by owners to assist renters:

78% offered deferred payments
26% waived rent
8% created its own rental assistance fund
95% waived late fees
100% offered payment plans
50% dropped fees for credit card payments
54% offered cash for keys
58% modified lease terms

Sugrue Walter said that U.S. Census Bureau data from Aug. 4 to Aug. 16 show a lack of participation could pose obstacles. Of those not current on their rent payment:

6% applied and received it
21% applied for assistance and are waiting for response
9% applied for assistance and were denied
64% Did not apply for assistance
Majority of renters who are not current on rent payments are one or two months behind.

Jerden said California has alerted him that about 20 percent of their assistance applications have been approved. He is awarding its associates a $500 bonus if they lead residents through the process and are approved. That is one of several creative approaches Veritas and Gables have taken in the past 12 months.

Instant Insights /

Real-Life Stories: Navigating the Renter Assistance Program Application Process

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