Rent due on the first of the month becomes financial burden amid COVID-19 crisis

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The beginning of each month marks a day many across the country dread. It's the day where rent is due for many Americans, and Chattanooga is no exception.

But in a time of need for so many, when income and jobs are being cut short, one place is helping out.

The Chattanooga Housing Authority for the months of April and May will be waiving their online rent paying fees.

Usually, when a CHA customer went to pay online they would be charged with a three percent fee, but this will no longer be the case as online transactions are encouraged in this new age of social distancing

Executive Director Betsy McCraight says even before the virus, CHA was helping those who are recently unemployed, and can't afford their current rent.

"If their income goes down we will recalculate what it is based on the new income or lack of income."

McCraight says that all someone has to do is come to them with proof that they have been fired from their job, then they can work with them to build a temporary plan for a rent rate. that rate will remain the same until that person files for unemployment or gets another job.