Recommendations for Cincinnati eviction prevention pilot program:
In October 2018, Cincinnati allocated $227,000 for a pilot eviction prevention project. Affordable Housing Advocates (AHA) the city’s coalition of grassroots, civic, faith-based, development, housing and planning advocates, commends the City for this positive step.
Allocation: AHA recommends that the City of Cincinnati allocate funds for the pilot eviction prevention project in a 70%/30% split: $157,000 for emergency rental assistance and $70,000 for legal representation of low income tenants.
Distribution:
- For emergency rental assistance, we recommend the City execute a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select one or two Cincinnati agencies to take applications, screen tenants, pay out rental assistance funds and provide additional information, counseling and referral to tenants at risk of eviction. Agency administrative costs should be limited to no more than 10% of grants received.
- For legal representation, we recommend either increasing the city’s existing contract with the Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, or alternately offering a Request for Proposal.
Suggested Emergency Rental Assistance Program Guidelines
Eligible tenants:
- Household income less than 200% federal poverty rate.
- Tenant has received a notice to leave* or an eviction complaint related to non-payment of rent.
- Tenant can demonstrate ability to make future rental payments.
- Landlord agrees to accept payment and not to proceed to eviction.
Assistance limits
- Maximum payment: $2,000 per household.
- Paid to landlord and/or court to cover back rent, fees and court costs.
- No more than one rental assistance grant per household in a 12 month period.
* Whenever possible, the Emergency Rental Assistance program should assist tenants before eviction is filed in order to avoid court costs, eviction records and other adverse consequences for tenants.
Anticipated Results:
AHA’s 2018 analysis esitmates an average $1000 per household in emergency rental assistance or $900 in legal assistance to prevent eviction, assuming that most households participating will be over two months behind in rent. Approximately 150 families could be assisted with $157,000 in emergency rental assistance; $70,000 for legal representation would prevent about 80 evictions. Some households may need both legal representation and rental assistance to avert eviction. This pilot program would help 200 households avoid eviction in 2019.