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This page provides resources to renters and prospective homeowners.  If you are having a housing emergency or are at risk of loosing housing, contact Opportunities for Otsego Emergency Housing Assistance Program.

 

New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund: Applications are no longer being accepted.  To get on the waiting list, register here.  For application assistance, call 1.844.776.9423 or connect to a local HAF partner.  This program is dedicated to assisting homeowners who are at risk of default, foreclosure, or displacement as a result of a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants may be eligible for financial assistance and/or access to professional housing counselors or legal service providers who are experts in the field.  Be Aware of Scams.

NEW! Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program: This program can assist households who have past due bills (arrears) for drinking water and/or wastewater services. Benefits are capped at $2,500 per drinking water or wastewater provider, or $5,000 if drinking water and wastewater services are combined.  

** Additional utility assistance programs and information is listed on our Emergency Housing page **

Emergency Rental Assistance Program:  Funds for this program have been exhausted.  However, tenants’ rights advocates suggest that households who qualify should still submit an application in case additional federal funding is received.  This program provides financial assistance for low- and moderate-income renters who are behind on rent and utility payments due to COVID. Benefits include: up to 12 months of rental arrears payments for rents accrued on or after March 13, 2020; up to 3 months of additional rental assistance if the household is expected to spend 30% or more of their gross monthly income to pay for rent; up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears payments for arrears that have accrued on or after March 13, 2020.

Otsego County COVID-19 Emergency Rental Relief Program: This program of Otsego County Rural Housing (ORHA) provides up to 3 months of rental payments directly to landlords on behalf of local-renters facing financial hardship as a result of layoff, reduced employment, or non-retention by their seasonal employer. Visit ORHA for eligibility requirements.

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The following list of resources are for informational and self-guidance purposes. 

Resources to Strengthen Financial Confidence
Information for Renters
Preparing for Homeownership
Keeping and Maintaining Your Home
Fair Housing 

 

Resources to Strengthen Financial Confidence

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Information for Renters

COVID-19 Related Eviction Protections: Are tenants still protected from eviction?  

Affordable Housing Options

Tenants Rights

 

Preparing for Homeownership

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Keeping and Maintaining Your Home

 

Fair Housing

  • UPDATED! Fair Housing Guide  
  • Watch "Accents", a short public service announcement about housing discrimination.

 

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 OFO is a proud member of HomeSmartNY, the leading coalition of homeownership advisors in New York State.
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