Resources for Lexington Renters

Code Enforcement:

Code Enforcement works with property owners to ensure that minimum maintenance standards are met for all structures in Lexington. In doing this, Code follows the International Property Maintenance Code and Chapter 12 of the city's code of Ordinances.

Code Enforcement cites property owners tor trash and debris and/or grass or weeds in excess of 10 inches tall; inoperable or unlicensed vehicles on private property; indoor furniture and equipment/appliances on the exterior of the property, and hedge and tree obstructions over public sidewalks and structures that are unsafe or otherwise unfit for human habitations.

Code Enforcement can abate the nuisance and bin the property owner if they don't address citations.

Complaints are received from tenants, neighbors and/or other concerned parties through LexCall by calling (859) 425-2255 or 311.

***

Residential Assistance and Supportive Services

Community & Resident Services supports individuals and families in sustaining safe housing environments and achieving financial self-sufficiency. We empower our vulnerable and underserved residents with high quality direct service, effective programming and viable resources.

***

Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA)

Emergency financial assistance is available to prevent eviction or utility service disconnection at your current residence. Eligible assistance includes rent, mortgage and/or utility payments.

EFA can pay past due rent up to $1,200 per household. The Past due amount cannot exceed $1,500.

Requirements:

- Household income must be at or below 50% AMІ.
- Must be a Fayette County resident for at least one year.
- Can only be assisted once every three years.

Calls for assistance are accepted only on Mondays. Individuals can seek assistance themselves by calling CRS at 859-300-5300 starting at 8 AM on a Monday.

***

Sewer, Landfill and Water Quality Management User Fee Program

Assistance for qualifying households with monthly discounts, up to one year, on sewer, water quality management fee and landfill charges owed to LEXserv. Clients must recertify each year to continue receiving monthly discounts.

***

LEXserv/Promissory Note Agreement

Assistance for households with a delinquent LEXserv bill (more than 90 days behind), in order to prevent interruption of services, including various repayment plans.

Participants must be at or below 150% income of the annual poverty guidelines and experience one of the following:

- A 10-day shut-off notice (yellow letter from LEXserv)
- Defaulted payment plan with LEXserv
- Service disconnected due to non-payment
- LEXserv service and is in collections

***

Relocation Programs

Short-term Lodging Assistance (STLA)

Financial assistance is available to assist clients temporarily displaced from their homes due to housing code violations. Eligible costs include temporary hotel expenses and storage costs while the current residence is being repaired or renovated.

Replacement Housing Assistance Program (RHАР)

Financial assistance is available to assist tenants permanently displaced from their homes due to housing code violations. Eligible costs to find a safe housing unit include rental security deposit, first month's rent payment, utility deposit and moving expenses.

Zoned Tenant Assistance Program (ZTAP)

Financial assistance is available for tenants permanently displaced from their homes due tol redevelopment or scheduled demolition. Eligible costs to find a safe housing unit include rental security deposit, the first month's rent payment, utility deposits and moving expenses.

***

Social Work

Social Workers provide client assessment, program and service referrals, case management, counseling and crisis intervention. Community and Resident services also collaborates with numerous agencies throughout the city to provide resources,referrals and assistance for Fayette County residents.

Case Management

Our team of social workers offer voluntary supportive services designed to empower & benefit residents with meeting their basic human needs while maintaining independence in the community. The focus of case management is to serve vulnerable adults who have the potential to become victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect. Social workers provide a variety of supportive services, including but not limited to:

- Programmatic and service referrals
- Social services client assessment
- Case management and counseling
- Representative payee program
- Crisis intervention
- Healthcare Management Advocacy / counseling / support
- Assessments of the individual's overall needs
- Transportation / escorts
- Financial management
- Social needs

***

Representative Payee Program

The Representative Payee Program provides financial management to adults who receive Social Security benefits and are in need of a payee or are required to have a payee by the Social Security Administration office. Additional services under this program include budgeting and paying bills to meet clients' basic needs.

***

Additional Programs

Sidewalk Replacement

Assistance with sidewalk repairs or replacement grants for qualifying homeowner. Property owners who are over income maybe eligible to receive some grant funds for reasonable cost of sidewalk repair or replacement. Code Enforcement repair notice is required to begin the process

Tree Removal

Assistance for tree removal, replacement and stump grinding for qualifying property owners. Urban Forestry referral or citation is required to begin the process.

All participants must be Fayette County residents, meet certain income guidelines and other eligibility guidelines based on each program.

***

Legal Resources and Housing Advocacy

KY Fair Housing Council: 859-971-8067

- Can investigate fair housing reports, provide legal representation, help tenants understand their rights, etc.

- Free to everyone.

Legal Aid of the Bluegrass: 859-431-8200 https://apply.lablaw.org/

- Assist with evictions, providing advice, negotiations with LL’s and representation in court.

- Anything legal: Termination of public housing, unsafe living conditions, lock outs and utility shut offs, leases

- Free for income eligible individuals.

Human Rights Commission (859) 252-4931

- Can investigate complaints of discrimination.

- Can submit a complaint here: https://www.lexhumanrights.org/file-housing-complaint

Lexington Housing Advocate: 859-280-8425 / lexingtonky.gov/housingadvocate

- Answering housing-related questions.
- Navigating the eviction process.
- Finding new housing options.
- Connecting to legal aid/fair housing resources.
- Referrals to agencies for support services.
- Referral to agencies for financial assistance.