St. Pete extends rental assistance program, some residents fear it’s not enough

St. Petersburg residents having a difficult time making rent each month may qualify for assistance from the city, which just received more money to help with the rental crisis. 

Habitat for Humanity's mission more important than ever amid housing crisis

In Sarasota County, most home or apartment rentals will cost more than $2,000 a month -- a 44% increase from last year. That's why Habitat for Humanity's work is more important than ever.

‘It’s become a crisis’: Tampa mayor wants $5 million for rental assistance program

New buildings are booming in downtown Tampa, but renters, who are facing 25 percent increases, are facing sticker shock and that’s why Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is asking for additional funding for the city’s rental assistance program.

Rental assistance available for Hillsborough County residents

Renters and landlords can get direct payments for rent, utilities, and late fees through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program that began during the pandemic.

‘Where’s your compassion?’ Speakers make plea for rent control, Tampa city council explores other solutions

On Thursday, Tampa City Council was flooded with pleas from people asking them to take action against out-of-control rising rent. While they did come up with a few solutions, they stopped short of declaring an emergency, which would've put rent control up for a vote. 

Tampa officials advance measure that could help low-income renters

Tampa City Council took a step this week toward passing a Tenants Bill of Rights, which would give renters protections they didn't previously have.

Barndominums increase in popularity as Florida housing prices rise

A growing number of home buyers are seeking out barndominiums, a non-traditional home made of steel that’s part barn, part workspace and part living quarters that costs about $200,000.

St. Pete increases down payment assistance to $60,000 for new buyers

The city of St. Petersburg says help is on the way for people struggling to find a place to live. Tenants advocates say helping people buy homes doesn't address the problem.

Tampa tenants fight back after receiving notices to vacate with little warning

Residents at the Holly Court Apartments in Tampa are fighting for answers and change after receiving non-renewal notices and notices to vacate on New Year’s Eve.

Tampa expands program that helps first-time buyers purchase homes

With the issue of affordable housing becoming more serious by the day around Tampa Bay, the city of Tampa is taking steps to try and deal with the problem.

Tampa helps stabilize neighborhoods, housing costs with home repair assistance program

With housing and rent prices skyrocketing across the Tampa Bay area, many residents are feeling squeezed out of the market. Long time homeowners in some of Tampa’s oldest neighborhoods are under pressure to sell, especially when repair and maintenance costs start to seem insurmountable. 

US home prices surged nearly 19% in October as market continues to boom

U.S. home prices surged again in October as the housing market continues to boom in the wake of last year’s coronavirus recession.

St. Petersburg City Council to explore preventing further rent increases

The city of St. Petersburg will explore new options to put the brakes on skyrocketing rent prices after mayor-elect Ken Welch is inaugurated, along with new city council members, on January 6.

Community land trust in Hillsborough County could help bring down housing prices

Finding an affordable place to live is so challenging that Hillsborough County leaders are turning to a creative solution to help residents. Commissioners are setting up a community land trust that will allow the county to buy land, build housing, and ensure affordable prices.

City program will give eligible Tampa homeowners up to $50,000 for home repairs

A new program in Tampa aims to stabilize neighborhoods and keep homeowners in their homes by helping them make necessary repairs amid rising costs.