EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OPENS: THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

The Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will offer relief to landlords on behalf of renters and tenants experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic through its 3rd round of funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

WHO CAN APPLY?

Owners, landlords or property managers holding a valid rental license with occupied rental units.  Tenants may apply directly only if their landlord will not apply for funding on their behalf or if the tenant is only applying for utility assistance.

WHAT CAN ERAP COVER?

Landlords may apply for each tenant’s delinquent rental payments beginning on or after April 1, 2020.  The monthly amount of assistance is based on the actual rent value less all late fees, interest, and other costs associated with the tenant’s default.  DHCD will provide funding for rent only, up to 12 months.  If the tenant applies directly for funding because their landlord will not apply on their behalf, eligible tenants can receive up to 6 months of rental assistance and/or utility payments.

There will be two different portals for landlords and tenants to upload their application and supporting documentation.  It is strongly advised that all applicants review the Instructions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) prior to submitting the application.

NEED ASSISTANCE WITH THE APPLICATION?

The Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development has partnered with several community non-profit organizations to assist county landlords and tenants with completing the application and uploading it into the proper on-line portal. These organizations include:

Casa de Maryland – Council District 2 8151 15th Avenue Langley Park, MD 20783 301.257-8851 (call to make an appointment)* Housing Initiative Partnership, Inc. (HIP) – Council District 2 6525 Belcrest Road, Suite 555 Hyattsville, MD 20782 667.260.7728 (call to make an appointment)* Centro De Apoyo Familiar (CAF) – Council District 3 6901 Kenilworth Avenue, Suite 110 Riverdale, MD 20737 301.328.3292 (call to make an appointment)* Sowing Empowerment & Economic Development, Inc. (SEED) – Council District 3 6201 Riverdale Road, Ste 200 Riverdale, MD 20737 301.468.9808 (call to make an appointment)*

United Communities Against Poverty, Inc. (UCAP) – Council District 6 1400 Doewood Lane Capitol Heights, MD 20743 301.322.5700 (call to drop off application package) Mission of Love (MOLC) – Council District 7 6180 Old Central Avenue Capitol Heights, MD 20743 301.333-4440 (call to make an appointment) Housing Options & Planning Enterprises, Inc. – Council District 8 6188 Oxon Hill Road, Suite 700 Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301.567-3330 (call to make an appointment)* *Bilingual Staff

APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

TENANT ELIGIBILITY

In order to receive financial assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, tenant households must meet the following minimum requirements:  

• The Tenant has a valid lease in their name;  
• The household has experienced a COVID-19 triggering event such as household/tenant qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19.  
• Income eligible families whose annual income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), as determined by HUD, and adjusted for household size; and
• The household cannot receive rental assistance from any other source, including, but not limited to, federal, state and local rental assistance programs, for the same period of time the ERA is requested. 

OWNER/LANDLORD QUALIFICATIONS

To receive financial assistance under the ERA program, owners, landlords and property managers must: 

• Have a valid County issued rental license for the property;  
• The property must be occupied by tenants with a valid lease; and
• Owners/Landlords/Property Managers will be required to provide their W-9 for tax reporting purposes. Funds received through the ERA Program may be considered income to the tenant and may be subject to taxes by the IRS.  Please consult with your tax preparer/advisor for more information.

 For further information please go to: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/3703/Emergency-Rental-Assistance-Program

IF YOU HAVE NO ACCESS TO UPLOAD DOCUMENTS TO PORTAL-PLEASE CONTACT H.O.P.E. TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO DROP OFF ITEMS TO UPLOAD TO SYSTEM.

Self- Scheduling appointment link

https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/HousingOptionsPlanningEnterprises@hopefinancial.org/bookings/s/9sOGr4l0XkW3R2C3fvZWWw2

Prior to scheduling appointment, complete forms and return along with REQUIRED documents

FINANCIAL COACHING PACKET – CLICK HERE

1. Clear Valid Photograph identification for applicant(s)

2. Copy of current lease which include tenant(s) names – Must match applicant(s) name(s).

3. Copy of last year tax return filed for applicant(s)

4. Documentation from former or current employer regarding loss of job or income for each affected member of the household

5. Copies of delinquent utility bills (if applicable to any member household that is applying for assistance.)

6. Legible copy of last paycheck earnings information from employer for each member of the household who is over age 18 and not a full-time college student who lost their job.

7. Copy of last 2 months of checking and savings bank statements for each member for the household who is over age 18 and not a full-time college student.

8. Current copy of Social Security or other monthly government income/benefits (if applicable to any member household that is applying for assistance.)

9. Current copy of pension statement (if applicable to any member household that is applying for assistance.)

10. Current copies of alimony or child support payments (if applicable to any member household that is applying for assistance.)

11. Copies of unemployment benefits for each affected member of the household

Send completed forms to: hope@hopefinancial.org or naustin@hopefinancial.org

Please return ALL forms before setting appointment ( fax/email/ drop off copies) NO Face-To-Face appointments ALL appointments are conducted via zoom. Once paperwork have been returned Nakia Austin will call to make appointment with counselor.