As Assistance Applications Pour In, Some Landlords Refuse Terms, Deny Aid to Renters

The state's Fresh Start Program, which allocated $10 million in federal CARES Act funding for rental assistance, opened to applicants on Nov. 9. In Washington County, the Economic Opportunity Agency, which is administering the funding to renters in the area, received over 900 applications in just one week. The EOA and renters are reporting some people are getting denied the aid because their landlords will not agree to waive late fees, which is required in the terms of the program.