DeKalb to Close Applications for Rental Assistance Due to Overwhelming Response

DECATUR, Ga.– Monday, Feb. 22, will be the last day that tenants and landlords can apply for financial help through the DeKalb Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition (TLAC) program.

The online application will close at 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 22.

“Due to the overwhelming response to the TLAC program, we will be closing applications at the close of business on Monday. This has been a huge illustration of the need caused by the ongoing pandemic,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “Tenants and landlords alike are suffering because of the financial and economic effects of COVID-19.”

According to Javoyne Hicks, DeKalb County Clerk of State and Magistrate Courts, approximately 7,000 DeKalb County renters and landlords had applied for relief as of 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 19. Additionally, the program has received approximately 41,000 website visits and 8,500 emails.

Submitting a TLAC application does not guarantee assistance will be provided, nor does it change the applicant’s obligations in pending court cases or any other matters.

Last week, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced the receipt of a $21 million grant from the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance program and the formation of the DeKalb Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition comprised of public and nonprofit partners. The coalition will provide financial relief to eligible DeKalb renters threatened by eviction and landlords facing revenue losses—both due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Partners in the TLAC rental assistance program with DeKalb County Government include:

• DeKalb County Magistrate Court
• DeKalb County Clerk of State and Magistrate Courts
• DeKalb County Marshal’s Office
• Atlanta Legal Aid
• Goodwill of North Georgia
• DeKalb Dispute Resolution Center

The TLAC rent relief program will provide financial assistance to eligible households for the payment of rent, rent arrearage, utilities, utility arrearage and other eligible housing costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An owner or landlord renting to an eligible household may apply on behalf of the tenant.

Tenants and landlords can apply for financial assistance by completing an application at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/renthelp and submitting supporting documents to [email protected] by 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 22.

Additionally, renters and landlords can receive more information by calling 404-371-3201 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.