The City of Tampa has launched a Rental Rehabilitation Program to provide expedited access to financial capital to landlords, ensuring that property maintenance is sustained and that tenants have appropriate living conditions.
The increase in unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for many households to pay rent. The decrease in rental income has left some landlords unable to ensure continuous maintenance and repair. As these units are not repaired, they are at risk of being uninhabitable, reducing the supply of affordable rental housing.
“Housing affordability is one of our key focus areas in Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow. As we navigate through this post-COVID-19 economy, the preservation of these units and this direct landlord support is a significant step in achieving our overall housing goals and future success,” said Mayor Jane Castor.
Eligible applicants include: nonprofit organizations, public entities, private individuals and for-profit companies. Eligible properties must meet the following criteria:
Be an existing multi-family rental property; Be located within the city limits of Tampa; Be in compliance with all current zoning requirements; Be current on all property taxes, assessments, and have no outstanding liens on the property; Demonstrate a decrease in rental income of at least 25% between February - July 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019. The rental decrease must be directly related to COVID-19; Must have owned the property for more than two (2) years.
“This program will allow us to develop relationships with affordable apartment owners, monitor units to improve housing conditions, and avoid evictions due to uninhabitable units. We look forward to working with these property owners one-on-one to ensure resident needs are met through the program,” said Kayon Henderson, Housing and Community Development Supervisor.
Applications are now live. Learn more about the program and apply at tampagov.net/housing-and-community-development/rental-rehab.