Eviction pauses are in place, but for renters who are behind, the clock is still ticking.
One Maryland group that helps people apply for rent relief payments says renters should hang in there.
鈥淭hese applications are taking a long time to process,鈥� said Mary Hunter, director of the housing counseling program with the nonprofit , which has been helping renters in Montgomery and Prince George鈥檚 counties apply for rental assistance.
鈥淪ome of the portals have been open since April, and people are still waiting for a determination and getting really nervous,” she said.
But things are changing as the programs begin to hit their stride.
鈥淲e are seeing things move. More approvals are happening; rent is being paid to the landlords. Every day it鈥檚 increasing,鈥� Hunter said.
In the meantime, 鈥渢he important thing to do is to keep the communication lines open, but not to give up hope,鈥� she said.
She also said to not ignore a summons to appear in court related to an eviction and that legal assistance is available at court.
Renters in Montgomery County can find help through the or the county .
In Prince George鈥檚 County, residents can get help through the .
Housing Initiative Partnership also hosts information sessions on Tuesday nights. The group can be reached at (301) 699-3835 in Prince George鈥檚 County and (301) 916-5946 in Montgomery County.
