LEXINGTON, S.C. — The Lexington County Council voted unanimously to approve its new rental assistance program, the home tenant-based rental assistance program. It’s designed to assist low-income households. It’s the first step in the process before low-income families will be able to put in an application.
“Sometimes people just need a little extra help and I think this is a good thing for them,” Lexington County Council member Glen Conwell said.
According to the County’s program guide, households will generally put 30 percent of their monthly income towards rent for approved apartments in Lexington County and the program will pay the rest.
“There’s a lot of people in need right now. You’ve got inflation a lot of priced stuff nothing ever keeps up with salaries right now,” Conwell said.
The program will also assist with utilities, security deposits, and utility deposits. To qualify, you must be a us citizen, and have a household income that does not exceed 60 percent of the median income based on the number of occupants in a home.
Once a recipient is approved they can receive assistance for 12 months with a one year lease. Once that time has passed the recipient will need to recertify their income.
“It helps with your model income. It helps people to be able to afford something so they can basically get on their feet. I know this has child care options in it its really a great program to people that need help and assistance,” Conwell said.
In addition to the rental assistance program, the council voted on its revised first-reading tiny homes zoning ordinance. Council members are looking to zone tiny homes the same way mobile homes are… to provide solid waste and emergency services. There will be continued discussions, revisions and another vote for the tiny home ordinance before a final approval.
The rental assistance program will now enter a public input period for 30 days before it is presented to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The County adds to hopes to open the applications for rental assistance by late April.