Oneida County helps with temporary rent assistance and security deposit alternative

The Temporary Assistance Unit of Oneida County provides emergency rental assistance to lower income households experiencing recent financial turmoil. Oneida County rent assistance is provided in an attempt to help families stay off of other forms of public assistance.

Emergency Rent Assistance

Oneida County provides emergency assistance with rent payments through their Temporary Assistance Unit. A certain amount of county funds are allocated to helping families who are facing an eviction get caught up on their rent.

Temporary payments to tenants may be allowed if it will convince the landlord to hold off on pursuing an eviction. While rental assistance is the primary use, utilities or food are also acceptable uses of the assistance.

Tenants who find that they will not be able to make their rent payment on their own could get some immediate help from the county to make sure that they can remain in their home even while dealing with a temporary financial crisis. Even if you lost your job, this could help you make the transition to a new job without worrying about losing your home.

Security Deposit Alternative

You may not have the cash on hand to pay both your security deposit and the first month’s rent. You probably already know that taking out a security deposit loan is a bad idea that can plunge you deeper in debt. Yet, if you do not have the ability to save enough money due to already living paycheck to paycheck, then you may be prevented from moving into a more affordable rental unit.

While many local rental assistance programs tend to provide either a grant or loan to help you pay your security deposit, Oneida County uses a different approach. Its Housing Unit administers a program that provides tenants with an alternative to tying up money in a security deposit.

Landlords who agree to participate in the program are willing to accept a Tenant Responsibility Agreement in lieu of a cash security deposit. It is a promise by the tenant to take care of the residence, prevent damages and maintain a clean household.

A Tenant Responsibility Agreement may be used to bypass the security deposit requirement, thereby gaining you access to your preferred rental opportunity without fear of depleting all of your savings. It is a good deal for you, and landlords like it because it helps to establish the proper expectations at the beginning of the lease term.

Contact Oneida County

To find out how to qualify for security deposit assistance, call the Oneida County Housing Unit at 315-798-3661. Temporary rental assistance applicants should call 315-798-5933 (Utica) or 315-338-0200 (Rome).