HOME-ARP TBRA

HOME-ARP Tenant-Based Rental Assistance

APPLICATION PROCESS BEGINS ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023

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Program Guidelines

Purpose

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law, the American Rescue Plan Act providing over $1.9 trillion dollars in COVID-19 relief funding. The funds are intended to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, public health, the State and local governments, individuals and businesses. 

On September 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated $1,088,181 to the City of North Miami (“City”), under the HOME-ARP program. The purpose of the HOME-ARP funds is to provide housing assistance and supportive services through several eligible activities. Eligible activities include acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter, tenant-based rental assistance, supportive services, rental housing development, administration and planning, and nonprofit operating and capacity building assistance. 

HOME-ARP funds MUST be used to assist “qualifying populations” (“QPs”), as defined in the September 13, 2021, CPD-21-10 HOME-ARP Notice published by HUD. These QPs include:

  • Sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations
  • Populations at risk of homelessness
  • Persons fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence or human trafficking
  • Subgroup of other populations that require supportive services or housing assistance to prevent homelessness
  • Subgroup of other populations with a high risk of housing instability

General information

The City developed a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan which describes how the City intends to use the HOME-ARP funds and did not elect any preferences for eligible activities. The plan was submitted and approved by HUD. The development of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan was also informed through stakeholder consultation and public engagement. 

The City has identified activities that will assist families and individuals of the most vulnerable qualified populations. The gap analysis and stakeholder input indicate that there is a need to address the City’s lack of affordable housing and rising costs of rental housing that directly impacts those experiencing homelessness, as well as those at-risk of homelessness and housing instability. Given funding constraints and increasing costs of construction, the City has opted to use its allocation towards Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (“TBRA”) in order to help alleviate the growing rental cost burden and risk of eviction/homelessness. 

Many of the families or individuals who receive assistance to mitigate homelessness or to flee violent circumstances require layered services including housing assistance because of the compounding challenges being faced. The City will continue to support organizations that provide supportive services to help program participants achieve self-sufficiency. 

As there is an immediate need, TBRA, along with relevant supportive services will provide rapid distribution of funds to help the QPs avoid eviction. Supporting services may include housing counseling, workforce training, legal services, and outreach services. 

The City will be providing Rental Assistance to qualified households for a minimum of 3 months, not to exceed 24 months. The amount of the monthly assistance may not exceed the difference between the established payment standard for the unit size and 30 percent of the household's monthly adjusted income. Payments must be paid directly to a third-party on behalf of the household. The City will also provide Security Deposit Assistance which will not exceed the equivalent of two (2) months’ rent for the unit in accordance with 24 CFR 92.209 (j). Security deposits must be paid directly to a third-party on behalf of the household. Any portion of the security deposit which is returned at the end of the lease must be returned to the tenant in the form of a grant. In addition, Utility Deposit Assistance may be provided as an eligible program activity only in conjunction with security deposits and/or rental assistance. Utility deposit assistance may only be applied to the utilities described in the HUD Utility Allowance schedule. 

Applicants are considered eligible if they belong to one of the qualified populations, the household’s total income does not exceed 60% of the area median income, and applicants are North Miami residents (or prospective residents) with one (1) year lease signed, if applicable.

1$20,500 or less (ELI/30%)$34,150 or less (VLI/50%)$54,600 or less (LI/80%)
2$21,950 or less$39,000 or less$62,400 or less
3$23,400 or less$43,900 or less$70,200 or less
4$26,350 or less$48,750 or less$78,000 or less
5$32,470 or less$52,650 or less$84,250 or less
6$37,190 or less$56,550 or less$90,500 or less
7$41,910 or less$60,450 or less$96,750 or less
8 or more$46,630 or less$64,350 or less$103,000 or less


The City’s Housing and Social Services (“HSS”) Department will administer the program. 

Qualification Criteria and Application Process

A. Selection Criteria 

Applicant must meet all the below criteria in order to qualify for the HOME-ARP program: 

  1. Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or granted legal status;
  2. Must fall in one of the following categories: 
    1. Sheltered or unsheltered homeless populations; 
    2. Currently housed populations at risk of homelessness; 
    3. Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence or human trafficking; 
    4. Other populations where assistance will: 
      • Prevent family homelessness;
      • reduce risk of housing instability. 
  3. Must be a resident or prospective resident of the City of North Miami. To verify residence within the City of North Miami. Please visit the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser page at https://www.miamidade.gov/pa/property_search.asp and perform a property search by your address or prospective address. If the results display a Folio number that starts with ‘06’ in the following format “06-XXXX-XX-XXXX”, the applicant’s address may be eligible; 
  4. Must have proof of homelessness or risk of homelessness; 
  5. Must have a proposed or executed one (1) year lease agreement; 
  6. Must not have received assistance from any other agency providing similar funding for the relevant month(s) applicant is seeking assistance for; 
  7. Must show proof of current employment and/or unemployment benefits, if applicable.

B. Required Documentation 

If applicant(s) meet the eligibility criteria above, then the below documents will be required when submitting application: 

  1. Completed application form; 
  2. Proof of Homelessness or risk of homelessness (provide at least one): 
    1. Copy of 3-day notice; 
    2. Court filed eviction notice 
    3. Referral from homeless outreach team, shelter or safe haven 
    4. Notarized Affidavit of Residency 
    5. Street outreach worker observation and letter 
    6. Third-party letters by community members describing physical observations of living conditions; 
  3. Proof of employment: four (4) most recent paystubs if bi-weekly or eight (8) if weekly; 
  4. Self-employment: Schedule C, E, or F must be included with your federal income tax return AND 
    1. Accountant or bookkeeper’s statement of net income expected for the next 12 months printed on the accountant/bookkeeper’s company letterhead, or 
    2. A notarized, sworn statement, from the self-employed individual, of net income expected for the next 12 months; 
  5. Award letter: (Social Security, Pension or Public Assistance); Veteran’s benefits letter; 
  6. Three (3) most recent bank statements; 
  7. Executed or proposed one (1) year lease agreement proving residency within the city; 
  8. Driver’s License, and/or Passport, Resident/Green Card, Naturalization Certificate and Social Security Cards for all persons over 18 years of age currently residing in the household; 
  9. Birth Certificates (with the parent(s) or applicant’s name listed), Passport, Resident/Green Card, Naturalization Certificate; 
  10. Social Security Cards for each resident under 18 years old; 
  11. Owner/Landlord Terms and Agreement, and W-9 completed and signed by Landlord.

C. How to Apply 

APPLICATION PROCESS BEGINS ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023

Applications will be available online and printed copies may be picked up at the Housing & Social Services office located at 12300 NE 8th Avenue, North Miami, FL 33161.

Completed applications along with copies of all required documents must be submitted to the Housing & Social Services office in person located at 12300 NE 8th Avenue, North Miami, FL 33161.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted, and appointments are required. 

For appointment, call (305) 893-6511 ext. 20000 or email the office at housing@northmiamifl.gov. 

D. Deadline to Apply 

Application will be accepted until funds are depleted. 

E. Approval process 

HSS staff will review completed applications for eligibility and approval. 

F. Inspection 

For prospective residents or persons currently experiencing homelessness, landlord (s) /property owner(s) are required to complete the “Owner Certification” form to certify that units meet the minimum Housing Quality Standards (“HQS”) as well as submit a W-9 form in order to receive payment, once approved. The Housing & Social Services Department will conduct an inspection to ensure the HQS are met before applicants move in.

G. HOME-ARP Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Agreement 

Landlord/property owner(s), prospective tenant and the City are required to execute a tri-party HOME-ARP Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Agreement.

H. Disbursement 

Once approved, a check will be issued by the City to the landlord/property owner or designee monthly for the duration of the agreement. 

NOTE: Guidelines, forms, and other documents utilized for this program are subject to change to ensure continued proper utilization of public funds.

Terms and Conditions

Interested parties may contact the Housing and Social Services Department via housing@northmiamifl.gov or by calling (305) 893-6511 ext. 20000 for additional information. Applicants must thoroughly review application guidelines, terms, and conditions to ensure eligibility before submitting. 

The Housing and Social Services Department reserves the right to deny program eligibility, if it is determined that such an application does not meet the grant requirements. 

Disclosure of Social Security Numbers is considered information subject to the Federal Privacy Act (5 USC §552a, as amended) and is exempt from Florida Statutes regarding public records (Florida Statutes119.0721(1)).