Boston restarts fund to help people unemployed because of coronavirus pay their rent

Applications open Friday for Boston's rental relief fund aimed at helping residents who have lost their jobs due to Covid-19 pay their rent.

Mayor Walsh announced today the city has added another $5 million to the fund.

To qualify for financial assistance from Boston's Rental Relief Fund, households must reside in the City of Boston and their income must be at or under 80% of Area Median Income which is $90,650 for a family of four. Preference will continue to be given to qualified applicants who were not eligible for unemployment benefits or, due to the nature of their jobs, would not receive full benefits. The Rental Relief Funds may be used for short-term rental assistance for up to three months. The funds may be used to cover more than one month's rent or may be used to supplement partial payments of rent. For each household, financial assistance will not exceed more than $4,000 in a 12-month period.