SAN ANTONIO — In light of the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of people in San Antonio are struggling to pay rent.
- SAAA working with city to help people pay rent
- Full details of the plan are still coming together
- For more info go here
The city's emergency rental assistance program is financially tight, and now it is overwhelmed with people in need. The San Antonio Apartment Association came up with a plan.
"We came up with an idea to work with the city, and in return for getting paid 75 percent of whatever the rent was, is to forgive the other 25 percent," said Marc Ross, president of Bob Ross Realty, and a former president of the SAAA.
For example, if someone who is directly affected by the coronavirus outbreak is paying $1,000 in rent, SAAA is encouraging its members to take $250 off the amount owed and waive late fees. Members will accept $750 of the money, which would be paid by the city through the risk mitigation fund.
Ross says the emergency rental assistance program is the best way the city could help both property owners and residents.
"You cry with them, you're trying to be empathetic, but I have to remember at the end of the day I also have a business to run," said Ross. "So this was a happy medium where we could survive, as well as help people out."
While the actual system for applying for aid goes through the city, the full details of the plan are still coming together, which could mean some tweaking if the partial shutdown continues through May.
Ross says he's spoken with many of his peers, and the best option for residents is to always go and talk to the landlord.
"Call your apartment manager, bring in documentation, and most people right now are going to work with you to try and figure out a solution so you don't lose your home," Ross said.
To qualify for funding through the risk mitigation fund, residents must be at or below 100 percent of the area median income, show proof of unemployment and the inability to pay their rent.