Housing

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides relief for homeowners with government-guaranteed mortgages. Homeowners with mortgages backed by the FHA, USDA, VA, HUD Section 184a, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac are eligible for loan forbearance for up to one year without fees, penalties, or additional interest.

Homeowners who are facing a financial hardship, either directly or indirectly, from the coronavirus may receive the forbearance by submitting a request to their servicer stating they are experiencing a hardship related to the virus. The forbearance will be granted for 180 days and may be extended for up to another 180 days at the borrower's request.

Homeowners in need of the forbearance should reach out to their mortgage servicers as soon as possible or contact a HUD approved housing counselor. Contact information for a homeowner’s mortgage servicer can be found in monthly mortgage statements or coupon book. The nearest housing counselor can be found here or by calling (800) 569-4287.

Until July 26, 2020, property owners are prohibited from filing for eviction against or charging any fees for unpaid rent and fees to a tenant in properties with federally-guaranteed loans or participating in federal housing programs. Property owners must also issue a notice to tenants to vacate 30 days before an eviction and the notice to vacate cannot be issued during this 120-day period.

This protection covers properties that receive federal subsidies such as public housing, Section 8 assistance, USDA rural housing programs, and Low Income Housing Tax Credits, as well as properties that have a mortgage issued or guaranteed by a federal agency (including FHA and USDA) or Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Additionally, owners of multifamily buildings with federal loans in forbearance may not evict tenants for unpaid rent or charge late fees or penalties until the loan exits forbearance.

Renters seeking information on whether they are covered by the moratorium should contact Legal Aid Society of Hawaii or a HUD approved housing counselor. You can find the nearest housing counselor here or by calling (800) 569-4287.

PROGRAM PHONE:

(808)586-2634

HOURS:

Landlord/Tenant Hotline: Mon. - Fri. from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m (except State Holidays).

INTAKE PROCEDURE:

Walk-in, write or phone.

ELIGIBILITY:Residential landlord or tenant (no commercial properties).

TARGET:People with residential landlord or tenant problems.

FEES:Copies of handbook for Landlord/Tenant Code at DCCA cashier for a fee. Other services free.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION-Provides emergency consumer loans up to $5,000 to assist with first month's rent/deposit and past due rent. -Provides emergency consumer loans up to $25,000 to assist with mortgage payments. -All borrowers receive individualized financial counseling.

Mon. - Fri.: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Sat. / Sun. by appointment only

Toll-Free: 1-866-824-0448

Main: 808-587-7886

ELIGIBILITY: Qualifications are based on income and debt

FEES: Loan interest and fees charged

HOURS: Mon. - Fri.: 7am - 3pm

PHONE(808) 792-4518

At our Kohou street clinic, we provide temporary financial assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services to individuals and families who are homeless or would be homeless. Assistance is focused on housing stabilization, linking participants to community resources and mainstream benefits, and helping participants develop a plan for preventing future housing instability. Financial Assistance is for rent payment assistance or security deposit for those who meet eligibility requirements. Provides homeless verification letter.

SERVICE AREAOahu

ELIGIBILITYClients income must be at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI)

In a bid to help struggling Oahu families, the city has eased eligibility restrictions for its Household Hardship Relief Program.

Under the new rules, a family asset limit has been eliminated and internet and cell phone bills are now covered. Subsidies can also go for rent, mortgages, utility bills and even health insurance premiums.

“We looked for ways to make this program a lot simpler and to improve the accessibility and remove some of the barriers," said Pamela Witty-Oakland, city Department of Community Services director.

The program is distributing $25 million in federal CARES Act funding to Oahu households.

So far, about $4 million has been distributed. The average monthly subsidy is $1,400.

The program is open to households who make up to 100% of area median income, or $120,500 for a family of four.