The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Division of Housing (DOH) has supplied over $5.2M to landlords across Colorado since Governor Jared Polis signed HB1410 in June, authorizing DOH to provide up to $19.6M in COVID-19-related housing payment relief.
The Property Owner Preservation (POP) program, which launched on July 15, has since registered over 1,200 landlords to support more than 4,000 rental residents unable to pay their rent due to COVID-19. POP is an opportunity for rental property owners to have their rents covered. Another DOH program, the Emergency Housing Assistance (EHAP) program, is for renters to pursue rental assistance directly.
Landlords should apply directly to DOLA for the POP program by registering with DOH.
Tenants can apply for EHAP through local partner agencies in their area. Access to both programs is available at the DOH Emergency Rental Assistance webpage.
A recent federal order from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) limiting evictions until December 31 highlights the importance of these programs, as it requires that residents seek rental assistance in order to be eligible. The CDC moratorium only delays the requirement of rent payments until January 1. It does not prevent rent from being due.
“This crucial allocation of federal CARES Act funding has the ability to provide relief to thousands of property owners in Colorado from facing the inability to pay their mortgages,” said Director of Housing Alison George. “We have provided a streamlined process to get these funds to landlords quickly and effectively. The ultimate goal is to keep Coloradans stably housed.”
DOLA’s Division of Housing partners with local communities to create housing opportunities for Coloradans who face the greatest challenges to accessing affordable, safe, and secure homes. DOH supports projects ranging from homelessness prevention to homeownership. Lean more at cdola.colorado.gov/housing.