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Saint Paul staff outline $1 million Emergency Rental Assistance pilot to avert evictions

5875594 · February 12, 2025
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Summary

City staff presented a draft framework for a $1 million Emergency Rental Assistance pilot that would provide one-time landlord payments up to $2,500 to prevent evictions during the 14-day notice period; commissioners requested coordination with Ramsey County and further details on timeline and outreach.

City of Saint Paul staff on Feb. 13 presented a draft framework for an Emergency Rental Assistance pilot funded with a $1,000,000 allocation from LAHA resources intended to help tenants avoid evictions by providing a one-time payment directly to landlords.

Housing Policy Coordinator Rachel Fonazidal described the program’s purpose, eligibility and proposed operations, saying the assistance would be capped at $2,500 — one month’s rent or $2,500, whichever is less — and paid directly to property owners. "$2,500 one time," Fonazidal said when commissioners sought clarification, adding that the payment could include late fees and court fees related to that month’s rent.

Fonazidal said eligible housing types would include apartments, whole-home rentals, rent-to-own agreements with a rental component and room rentals with a documented rental arrangement. Ineligible sites include emergency shelters, domestic violence shelters, places unfit for habitation and informal "couch…

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