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Your Florida Daily: Pastor’s son found dead in church parking lot, Volusia affordable housing situation
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Pastor’s son found dead in church parking lot, Volusia affordable housing situationThe son of a Polk County pastor was found dead and his killer was arrested, but detectives are working to figure out the motive.
Florida rent prices have increased drastically since 2020, analysis shows
Read full article: Florida rent prices have increased drastically since 2020, analysis showsRent prices have hiked across numerous states in the last few years and in Florida especially, according to analysis from experts at RubyHome Luxury Real Estate who reached their consensus after calculating percentage increases in average rental costs since 2020.
Central Florida religious leaders working to address homelessness
Read full article: Central Florida religious leaders working to address homelessnessThis week, leaders in the local religious community are coming together to address something that's become a big issue across Central Florida — homelessness.
Florida Legislature considers bill allowing security deposit alternative for renters
Read full article: Florida Legislature considers bill allowing security deposit alternative for rentersThe Florida Legislature is considering a bill that could give renters the option to pay a monthly fee instead of a larger security deposit upfront.
‘It’s really hard:’ Affordable housing crisis across Central Florida weighs on residents’ mental health
Read full article: ‘It’s really hard:’ Affordable housing crisis across Central Florida weighs on residents’ mental healthThe housing crisis across Central Florida appears to only be getting worse and residents tell us in many ways it’s impacting their mental health.
Florida bill filed to require landlords to disclose flood zone information to renters
Read full article: Florida bill filed to require landlords to disclose flood zone information to rentersA new bill filed in the Florida Senate is set to get results for renters by requiring landlords to disclose information about flood zones.
‘A Christmas miracle:’ Volusia County business owner provides home for mom on brink of homelessness
Read full article: ‘A Christmas miracle:’ Volusia County business owner provides home for mom on brink of homelessnessAmber Johnston has a place to call home for now, while she works to pick up the pieces — and it's all thanks to kind hearts in the community who saw her heartbreaking story.
Florida will need 500K housing units by 2030 with growing population, experts say
Read full article: Florida will need 500K housing units by 2030 with growing population, experts sayThe latest research project by Florida Apartment Association is tracking the state’s growing housing needs with a brand-new website—BuildFlorida2030.com.
Orange County commissioners discuss proposed ‘tenant bill of rights’ aimed at combating rising rent
Read full article: Orange County commissioners discuss proposed ‘tenant bill of rights’ aimed at combating rising rentLeaders in Orange County are discussing a new plan aimed at easing the problem of rising rent.
Orange County commissioners vote to appeal ruling blocking rent control ordinance
Read full article: Orange County commissioners vote to appeal ruling blocking rent control ordinanceOrange County commissioners voted Thursday to appeal a judge’s ruling that stopped the elections supervisor and canvassing board from certifying the results of a rent referendum on the November ballot.
🏘️Florida is No. 11 of least affordable state for renters
Read full article: 🏘️Florida is No. 11 of least affordable state for rentersToday, a renter in the U.S. needs to make $25.82 an hour, up from $24.90 last year, in order to afford rent for a modest two-bedroom apartment, according to the NLIHC.
Orange County offers financial aid for struggling renters. Here’s who qualifies this time
Read full article: Orange County offers financial aid for struggling renters. Here’s who qualifies this timeOrange County's rental assistance program is relaunching with new criteria that may cause more renters to qualify for aid.
🏠Here’s where Florida ranks among states with most reported rental scams
Read full article: 🏠Here’s where Florida ranks among states with most reported rental scamsIn a rental scam, someone misrepresents themselves as a property owner or tenant, or lies about the availability and terms of a real property. It's more common than you might think.
🏠Florida is among the 12 least affordable states for renters. Here’s where it ranks
Read full article: 🏠Florida is among the 12 least affordable states for renters. Here’s where it ranksToday, a renter in the U.S. needs to make $25.82 an hour, up from $24.90 last year, in order to afford rent for a modest two-bedroom apartment, according to the NLIHC.
‘We don’t know what to do or where to turn:’ DeLand trailer park hikes rent 52%
Read full article: ‘We don’t know what to do or where to turn:’ DeLand trailer park hikes rent 52%Residents in a DeLand mobile home park are scrambling to figure out how to keep their homes with just a month until their rent goes up beyond many of their means.
Homeowners insurance company exits Florida market
Read full article: Homeowners insurance company exits Florida marketUnited Property & Casualty Insurance Co. will exit Florida’s troubled homeowners’ insurance market, forcing customers to find new coverage as their policies come up for renewal, the insurer’s parent company announced Thursday.
Florida lawmakers discuss plans to deal with skyrocketing rents in Orange County
Read full article: Florida lawmakers discuss plans to deal with skyrocketing rents in Orange CountyWith rent prices skyrocketing for many residents over the last year, a group of Democratic lawmakers met Tuesday to discuss possible solutions.
Florida state senator hosts Orange County roundtable discussion about rent costs
Read full article: Florida state senator hosts Orange County roundtable discussion about rent costsDemocratic Sen. Randolph Bracy, who is running for U.S. House District 10, will host a roundtable discussion Friday with landlords and renters about skyrocketing rent costs amid Central Florida's housing crisis.
Orange County board holds special session on rental ordinances
Read full article: Orange County board holds special session on rental ordinancesThe Orange County board came out of Thursday’s special session with a consensus on a notice ordinance and tenants bill of rights — but agreed more research and further discussion needs to be had about a rent stabilization ordinance.
Consultants say Orange County rent stabilization plan may do more harm than good
Read full article: Consultants say Orange County rent stabilization plan may do more harm than goodA report from outside consultants appointed by Orange County Commissioners, suggests that legislation to control rent prices locally may do more harm than good.
The impact of Central Florida’s housing crisis on mental health
Read full article: The impact of Central Florida’s housing crisis on mental healthThe Heart of Florida United Way recently said their 2-1-1 crisis hotline has seen an uptick in the number of working families that can’t keep up with their rent or mortgage payments.
Cocoa officials propose providing tenants more notice ahead of rent price hikes
Read full article: Cocoa officials propose providing tenants more notice ahead of rent price hikesAs soaring rent prices continue to leave Cocoa residents with sticker shock, sometimes with little notice, city officials are now considering a proposal to give tenants more notice of a looming price hike.
Financial struggles due to COVID? Lake County offering past due mortgage assistance
Read full article: Financial struggles due to COVID? Lake County offering past due mortgage assistanceLake County is offering assistance to eligible residents with past due mortgage payments, officials announced Tuesday.
Orlando-area small businesses brace for rent surge
Read full article: Orlando-area small businesses brace for rent surgeAs inflation numbers hit a 40-year high across the nation, rental rates for industrial and warehouse space are climbing faster in the Orlando metro area than other parts of the country.
Orange County leaders to consider rent control measure as housing costs skyrocket
Read full article: Orange County leaders to consider rent control measure as housing costs skyrocketOne Orange County Commissioner is pushing for more rent control measures and hoping her proposal at Tuesday's county commission meeting will get some results for renters.
Orange County commissioner to propose rent stabilization measure Tuesday
Read full article: Orange County commissioner to propose rent stabilization measure TuesdayOrange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla said in a press conference Thursday that she wants Orange County to implement temporary rent control measures, but it is getting pushback before it is even presented.
Orlando to open new rental assistance portal Feb. 1. Here’s how to apply
Read full article: Orlando to open new rental assistance portal Feb. 1. Here’s how to applyTo qualify, you must live in the city limits of Orlando, you must have been impacted by COVID-19 financially. You also must be behind on rent or facing eviction because of late rent payments.
Orlando-area rent prices are up 20% since January, the highest increase in market history
Read full article: Orlando-area rent prices are up 20% since January, the highest increase in market historyThe average rent in the market is up to $1,537 per month, according to Brian Alford, Director of Market Analytics in Florida.
With 1,643 evictions filed Osceola County adds to eviction diversion program
Read full article: With 1,643 evictions filed Osceola County adds to eviction diversion programOsceola County leaders are adding a courthouse liaison for the county's eviction and foreclosure diversion program as 1,643 evictions have already been filed with the court.
Seminole County urging renters, homeowners seek assistance after eviction moratorium ends
Read full article: Seminole County urging renters, homeowners seek assistance after eviction moratorium endsSeminole County is urging residents who are behind on rent or mortgage payments to seek assistance following the end of the Centers for Disease Control's moratorium on evictions.
‘It’s ridiculous growth:’ Orlando market seeing historic rent hikes
Read full article: ‘It’s ridiculous growth:’ Orlando market seeing historic rent hikesThe Orlando real estate market — which covers Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole counties — is seeing the highest rent hikes in history right now, according to market analysts' part of the CoStar group.
Struggling with rent? Facing eviction? How to navigate a tricky situation
Read full article: Struggling with rent? Facing eviction? How to navigate a tricky situationFor many people, the past year with COVID-19 has brought some form of financial hardship. Jobs have been cut, businesses have suffered, and for service industry workers, their hours have been slashed or their responsibilities scaled back.
New Orange County emergency rental assistance begins
Read full article: New Orange County emergency rental assistance beginsORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County is ending its eviction diversion program in February, making way for a new emergency rental assistance, or the ERA, program to take over in March. “Since our COVID-19 eviction diversion program launched six months ago, we have provided more than $11.2. “As of about midday today, 3,571 different individuals or households had benefited from our existing eviction diversion program.”On Monday, Orange County launched a new emergency rental assistance program. The county is earmarking $20 million for people at 50% of the area median income and $10 million for people at 80% of the area median income. The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association is offering housing clinics via telephone.
Lake County residents can soon apply for rental assistance program
Read full article: Lake County residents can soon apply for rental assistance programLAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Lake County is opening an emergency rental assistance program and residents can apply starting Monday. People living in Lake County can preregister here. Applications will be accepted starting Monday through 11:59 p.m. on March 21. Those who preregister will be notified when the application portal opens. You must meet the following criteria to qualify:Primary residence must be in Lake County and applicants must be rentersRent must be past dueApplicants must have a documented financial hardship as a result of COVID-19Total household income for calendar year 2020 must be at or below 80% of the area median income for Lake County
Orlando to launch rental assistance program in partnership with United Way
Read full article: Orlando to launch rental assistance program in partnership with United WayOrlando City Council voted on plans to use $1.5 million of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act funds to provide rental assistance. The city will partner with United Way to implement the funds. Requests for rental assistance can be made through the Heart of Florida United Way website beginning Sept. 9 at 8 a.m. City employees will assist the United Way in administering and overseeing the program. Residents who are interested in applying for the Rental Assistance Program are encouraged to begin gathering all required documents needed to apply as soon as possible.
Florida United Way weighs in on housing crisis during coronavirus pandemic
Read full article: Florida United Way weighs in on housing crisis during coronavirus pandemicFlorida United Way weighs in on housing crisis during coronavirus pandemicPublished: August 7, 2020, 10:22 amJeff Hayward, CEO of Heart of Florida United Way, describes the increase in people struggling and needing assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.
Commissioners proposal to freeze Orange County rent prices fails to move forward
Read full article: Commissioners proposal to freeze Orange County rent prices fails to move forwardORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A proposal from Orange County District Five Commissioner Emily Bonilla to freeze rent prices did not pass a vote Tuesday and won’t move forward to a public hearing. Bonilla was asking the other members of the board to approve a special public hearing to take place on June 30, in order to get a rental increase freeze on the November ballot. A lot of people right now are paying their rent with credit cards,” Bonilla said ahead of the vote. The proposal failed to move forward to a special public hearing after a 5-2 vote. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings voted against the proposal saying there wouldn’t be enough time to have lawyers look at the proposal and to get input from both sides.
Rent rates going up in Central Florida
Read full article: Rent rates going up in Central FloridaRent rates going up in Central FloridaPublished: November 19, 2019, 6:57 pmThe city of Oviedo is the most expensive place to rent a home in Central Florida, according to rental website RentCafe.com’s Florida October Rent Report.