A landlord and tenant incentive program in Linn County has surpassed its initial goals in its first year, successfully housing 37 individuals facing significant housing barriers while demonstrating strong financial stewardship.
Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, in partnership with United Way, Housing Fund for Linn County, and Waypoint, launched the Landlord & Tenant Success Initiative as a one-year pilot with an ambitious goal to house 30 individuals. The program targets people facing barriers including past evictions, criminal history, and limited income.
The initiative has enrolled 44 individuals and successfully housed 37, while spending less than 50% of its total $100,000 budget. Notably, less than 1% of the budget was used for damage repairs, reflecting the effectiveness of monthly unit inspections and early intervention.
“At Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, we are proud to play a role in this housing initiative that has yielded remarkable results in just one year,” said James Klein, CRBT president and CEO in a statement. “This innovative grassroots pilot program reflects our commitment as a community bank and the collaborative partnerships throughout the community to take meaningful action to support those in need.”
The program’s first-year outcomes include a 97% pass rate on in-unit inspections, 100% completion of tenant education incentives, and 0% uncured lease violations. Landlord interest has grown steadily, with 57 landlords expressing interest in participating.
Participating landlords receive a $1,000 lease-signing bonus for 12-month leases, access to risk mitigation funds, monthly unit inspections, mediation support, rental assistance, and a $500 incentive for lease renewals. Tenants commit to completing education courses, passing quarterly inspections, and working with case managers on housing stability goals.
“As communities face tightening rental markets and rising housing costs, this pilot offers a proven model for expanding housing access without increasing landlord risk,” said J’Nae Peterman, homeless systems manager for East Central Iowa Council of Governments in a statement.
The City of Cedar Rapids recently committed to funding a full-time Landlord Liaison position within the Housing Fund for Linn County to oversee the program throughout 2026. Partners are exploring opportunities to sustain and expand the initiative.
