skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump picks former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA; NY group establishes new veterans' direct care program; Following election results, questions emerge about labor impact; Investors and activists both work to shape companies' climate goals.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

GOP leaders say they're ready for President-elect Trump to return to office. President Biden hosts the Israeli president, amid concerns about blocked Gaza aid, and the labor movement assesses the impact of Trump being back in the White House.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Texas women travel some of the longest distances for abortion care, Californians the shortest, rural living comes with mixed blessings for veterans, an ancient technique could curtail climate-change wildfires, and escape divisive politics on World Kindness Day.

As evictions rise, NE renters need to know their rights

play audio
Play

Friday, September 29, 2023   

High rent prices are draining the budgets of many Nebraska renters, who are paying between 30% and 50% of their income on rent.

In some parts of the state, this affects nearly half of renters - and evictions are on the rise. The first six months of 2023 saw almost 1,400 more eviction cases than at the same time in 2022.

Scott Mertz, director of the housing unit at Legal Aid of Nebraska, said tenants with financial difficulties and facing eviction will usually qualify for their services. He said they're often able to get people a "better outcome," which may allow them to stay in place.

"If that's not achievable," he said, "the next stage is a combination of how much time we can help somebody get to get somewhere else and avoid that court order - that judgment being on their record."

Mertz stressed that an eviction stays on a person's record for decades, which can limit future rental opportunities and lead to job loss, health problems and even homelessness. As of this week, Nebraska Investment Financing Authority has begun accepting applications for rental and utility assistance from people in a large part of the state.

NIFA Executive Director Shannon Harner said $48 million of COVID-related Emergency Rental Assistance Funds is available for people outside the Omaha and Lincoln areas, which received their ERA funds earlier. She said the money is to help stabilize households that are struggling to afford rent and utilities.

"In that application, they can apply for past-due rent, and up to three months of future rent," she said. "There are priority households that may be able to come back and request yet additional assistance beyond that, and those qualifications are at Nebraskarenthelp.org.

Information is also available through the NIFA call center at 844-429-6575.

Mertz said renters facing eviction need to know their rights, which includes how much notice they're entitled to.

"If you're in public housing; if you have your rent subsidized - typically what's called Section 8 - you should get 30 days," he said. "But also, in properties who are getting a federal benefit because their financing comes through federal programs, individuals should get the 30-day notice."

Nebraska law only requires that landlords give renters seven days' notice. Mertz said people at risk of eviction should call Legal Aid of Nebraska as early in the process as possible, to find out about their rights and whether they qualify for representation. The Statewide Accessline is 1-877-250-2016.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
According to a United Nations 2015 report, food system emissions were responsible for 18 billion tons of carbon dioxide, making up 34% of global emissions. (Pattadis/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…


Social Issues

play sound

This weekend, a new coalition called "We Are California" is holding meetings up and down the state, preparing to resist what it sees as anticipated …

Social Issues

play sound

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to confirm his choice of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security and …


Bobcats are elusive, native predators known for their sharp senses and solitary nature, typically hunting at dawn or dusk. (Adobe stock)

Environment

play sound

Indiana's Department of Natural Resources is pushing a bobcat trapping plan after a new law required a hunting season by 2025. Opponents said the …

Health and Wellness

play sound

A New York group has a new program to help veterans. The Center for Independence of the Disabled New York's Veteran Direct Care program helps …

Virtual power plants, a microgrid connecting renewable energy with smart appliances, costs ratepayers 40% to 60% less than building and maintaining conventional coal or gas-powered plants. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

An electric cooperative supplying power to Western Colorado is pioneering energy independence for homes, businesses and farms. They are creating a …

Social Issues

play sound

As Nebraskans anticipate the upcoming holiday season, some might also be looking ahead to the 2025 tax season, which will include a new tax credit …

Social Issues

play sound

Changes in leadership at the federal level are likely to have some effect on the labor movement. In Minnesota, election results have spurred …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021