Subject Line: New federal program available to pay landlords past due rent for tenants impacted by COVID-19

Licensees:

The email below is being sent to you at the request of scstayplus or 800.476.0412.

Landlords and property owners can recover up to 12 months of past due rent from tenants experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

SC Stay Plus is a rent and utility assistance program from SC Housing that is designed to help individuals and families who rent stay in their homes by catching up on their back rent. If your tenants have experienced financial difficulties due to the pandemic and are struggling to pay rent dating back to March 13, 2020, they may be eligible for the program.

Click here to visit the SC Stay Plus website.

If you know someone who is behind on their rent, you can help them start the SC Stay Plus application process by clicking here for the referral form. You can also expedite processing for your tenant(s) by validating their current rent status. To complete the SC Stay Plus application, tenant(s) will need to provide evidence of their housing arrangement, as well as several other pieces of documentation to confirm their eligibility. Landlords will need to submit a separate set of documents. You do not need to have a formal lease agreement. The program is flexible in considering other qualifying landlord-tenant situations. Complete details can be found on our FAQ page.

Want help spreading the word? Visit the Community Outreach Toolkit on our website for a collection of promotional materials that can be used to spread the word to your residents. It includes fliers on program features, guidance on program eligibility, and more.

Remember, the SC Stay Plus program is currently only available to residents in 39 South Carolina counties. The following seven counties received other funding and will provide their own rental assistance programs: Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, Richland, and Spartanburg – click here for information about these programs.

Please note: Applicants who have previously applied for the SC Stay rental assistance program in February 2021, cannot request support from SC Stay Plus for the same period of back rent. However, you can request assistance for different months.

We look forward to assisting you throughout this process.

Sincerely,

The SC Housing Team

P.S. The SC Stay Plus Program is designed to make everyone whole. Moving forward with an eviction will prevent you from receiving program funds for back rent.

Posted by: Byron King on 7/22/21 (This information is only accurate as of 7/22/21. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 7/22/21 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org)