Can a landlord turn down rental assistance?

Question

Hello, we have a tenant that we inherited with a property we purchased. They are asking us to fill out a form so they can submit to get rental assistance and fuel assistance for the oil bill we uploaded. (Oil bill is 45 days past due)

I am trying to figure out my options to either remove the tenant or ride this assistance stuff out.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks,mike

Colleen F. · Answer

@Michael Hague   I don't have a problem with fuel assistance but I haven't had to to contribute to filling those forms. Rent assistance that is limited for a tenant who is in place I would do but you have to know if it is just prolonging the inevitable. If they can't afford the house in the first place you need to also work on a move out plan to a different type of housing.

Melanie P. · Answer

It may come as a surprise to you that many people in the USA calculate these assistance programs into what they can and cannot afford. I can't tell you how many times we have to tell applicants they cannot count TCA (Temporary Cash Assistance) as income to qualify to rent because it is TEMPORARY.

It's to your benefit to help them get the assistance approved ASAP. If the tank runs dry you will have maintenance expenses to get the system running again or if you skip them costly repairs from the sludge that builds up in the bottom of the tank.

Melanie P. · Answer

Speak to the case manager for the assistance program to find out if funding is currently available and how long after receiving the requested paperwork will they provide funding. Also read any papers carefully to make sure you're not giving up any rights if you choose to participate.

If the program has current funding and the turnaround time isn't very long for payment there's little downside to helping the tenant obtain assistance.

Can a landlord turn down rental assistance?

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