> what they should do is assess this on a case-by-case basis and pay the rent for people in genuine need.

Nothing is ever this efficent at scale. The point of the program was to stop people (and families) from going homeless during a health and economic crisis. The easiest and arguably best solution is a blanket ban.

This is similar to the PPP program. No one checked the credibility of businesses applications until after the money was sent out (the emergency warrants this).