February 2021
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AHFA to Administer Emergency Rental Assistance Program
On February 12, 2021, Governor Kay Ivey authorized AHFA to implement the State’s new COVID-19 emergency rental assistance program. Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Alabama is funded entirely by a $263 million congressional grant under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (the “Act”). Issuing a declaration of public emergency, AHFA is presently developing a program for processing online applications statewide, by landlords and renters. 

AHFA’s ERA Alabama program customer service center is up and running, and ready to answer questions. Interested parties may call (833) 620-2434 with questions about the program. AHFA expects to accept applications from landlords and tenants for ERA Alabama beginning March 1 at 8 a.m. Central Time. 

Separate from ERA Alabama, the Act also funds separate rental assistance programs serving residents of Baldwin, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Jefferson Counties, and the cities of Huntsville and Birmingham. Renter households in those jurisdictions should apply to those local programs first. AHFA is developing specific information to assist applicants from those jurisdictions on where/how they should apply.

More information can be found at www.ahfa.com/era and www.eraalabama.com.
7 Reminders When Filling Out a 2021 Application in DMS
  1. Remember your User ID and Password.
  2. Use the Multifamily Application Package Forms as a guide when completing the Online Application.
  3. Keep a list of Development Team Members Organization Codes handy when completing the application.
  4. Fill out each page as directed, complete all items. Saving before “Adding” or “Updating” may generate an error message or may not hold the data (Example, Buildings Page).
  5. Double check all information entered to verify correctness (including spelling) and to confirm the information was captured.
  6. When submitting the application, be sure to change the dropdown box from “Application Pending” to “Application Submitted” before pressing the “Submit” button.
  7. If you have any issues when completing the Online Application, notify AHFA immediately at ahfa.mf.dms@ahfa.com.

New users may view the AHFA DMS Authority Online: New User Registration video at https://www.ahfa.com/multifamily/training-resources.
Compliance Department News

  • Due to IRS Notice 2021-12, AHFA updated the COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions found at https://www.ahfa.com/multifamily/compliance-covid-19-faqs:
  • AHFA’s Compliance Department is currently conducting electronic household file reviews. We will contact the ownership/management contact of each property for the information needed. Please submit the requested items ASAP.
AAHA Scholarship Applications Due March 10
The Alabama Affordable Housing Association is accepting applications for its annual resident scholarship awards.

Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited vocational or technical school, college, or university; have at least a "B" average or 3.0 GPA; and meet all other application criteria.

Scholarship awards will be made to qualified tenants and resident family members living at an AAHA-member apartment complex and property/divisional management staff of AAHA-member companies and their children.

Applications must be received by March 10. For more information, visit www.theaaha.org.
Alabama Housing Finance Authority | www.AHFA.com