New Mexico Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

New Mexico CARES+ Programs:

New Mexico will soon distribute $12.3 million in COVID-19 rental and housing assistance.  The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) will begin accepting applications on Nov. 2 from New Mexicans who are behind on their housing payments due to the pandemic. Those who are eligible may receive up to $1,500 a month for three months to cover past-due rent or mortgage payments, according to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The New Mexico Housing Trust Fund (NMHTF) provides flexible funding for affordable housing initiatives in the state. A portion of NMHTF funds has now been extended to provide short-term rental assistance to tenants of income-restricted properties monitored by the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible tenant’s incomes cannot exceed 80 percent of AMI. Rental assistance may be provided to tenants who (1) are not currently receiving full rental assistance from another program, and (2) must be experiencing a reduction in household income due to circumstances related to the health crisis. Tenants residing in any unit in an income-restricted property monitored by MFA are eligible for rental assistance, regardless of whether the unit is income-restricted if the tenant meets the above requirements.

  • CARES Rental and Utility Assistance: Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County commissioners have approved the opening of the Bernalillo County CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act Rental and Utility Assistance grant for qualified county residents. The county has identified $1 million in emergency relief monies to assist residents who are experiencing hardships due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and who are delinquent in their rents or utility payments. Through this program, the county is offering up to $5,000 to qualifying residential renters located within Bernalillo County.

The city also plans to spend an additional $3.66 million of the grant funding on the CONNECT program, which offers city and county residents emergency funds for items such as food and rental assistance and unpaid utilities.

Starting on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, the Santa Fe County Housing Authority will be accepting applications for the Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program (“ERMAP”). ERMAP has been created to provide emergency housing assistance grants to qualifying households who: 1) reside in Santa Fe County; 2) have had an adult household member who has lost a job, been furloughed or had a reduction in working hours on or after March 1, 2020; 3) are currently behind on their rent or mortgage payments; and 4) currently have a gross monthly income that falls below 80% of the area median income for Santa Fe County for rental assistance.

These resources are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Landlords and Tenants are encouraged to seek specific legal advice for any of the issues as found in this blog.

3 Comments
  1. Robert Trujillo

    MY renter has past away due to covid and his spouse and children are late on their March house payment. His wife needs assistance now and probably for the next few months. What can I do as a property owner to help her apply for assistance. Or is there a program that I as a property owner can apply for assistance to cover her rental payment?

    Reply
  2. RoseRael

    I need emergency Rental assistance..i have lost my unemployment & my spouse was diagnosed w Cancer.My landlord refuses to fill out application w the State.Can I still get assistance without the Landlord filling out their form ?…

    Reply
  3. violeta gaytan

    Hello me name is Violeta me rent and electricity bill are pass du . can you please help me I have 4 kids and i dont have where to go please help me … thank you …..

    Reply

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