Officials from the Chattanooga Housing Authority are reaching out to their residents to offer assistance in paying their rent. Residents whose income has decreased due to the pandemic will be offered a 12-month repayment agreement for charges incurred between the dates of March 14 to Sept. 2.
CHA is also offering residents the opportunity to have until Oct. 1 to bring all charges current. Late fees will resume beginning in October. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that put a moratorium on evictions ended on July 24; however, CHA officials noted they haven’t charged any late fees during the pandemic and continue to waive fees for online rent payment during this time.
Mike Sabin, CHA’s director of public housing said, “We’ve worked hard to protect residents throughout this pandemic.
From on-site COVID-19 testing to providing options for rent payments, our team continues to look for ways to take care of our residents and our communities.”
He noted that any resident who has experienced a reduction of income should contact CHA office staff immediately to receive an interim certification to apply toward a rent adjustment.
CHA Executive Director Betsy McCright said, “Those living in public housing are on the front lines of this pandemic. We are grateful that our board has provided us approval to take these steps and know this will be a big help for so many.”