Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention
- Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that prohibits Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can show that their failure to pay rent was the results of COVID-19—for example, because of lost or reduced unemployment, or needing to care for a school-aged child—or because they are diagnosed with, or under investigation for, COVID-19. Read the governor’s emergency order. While the State of Emergency expired July 25, eviction or foreclosure proceedings cannot begin until 90 days after this date.
- Montgomery County renters who meet certain criteria can apply for funds through the county’s new COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program starting June 1, the Emergency Assistance Relief Payment program (currently accepting applications) or the COVID-19 Rental Relief Program. Each program has different eligibility standards and requirements. The latter two are overseen by the county’s Department of Health and Human Services, and applicants can get information by calling 311. The COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program (more information here) is administered by the Housing Opportunities Commission and the county’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
- The City of Takoma Park maintains an Emergency Assistance Fund to help low- to moderate-income city residents pay for rent, utilities, food, and prescriptions. Applications are available through Ministries United Silver Spring Takoma Park.
- There is a possibility that you may qualify for a Renter’s Tax Credit of $1,000. Click here for eligibility requirements and how to apply. Applications must be submitted by September 1, 2020.
- In Montgomery County, if you have emergency housing needs, including homelessness prevention services and housing related financial assistance to prevent eviction, foreclosure and utility disconnection, call 311 or 240-777-0311 to request a phone interview. Document drop-off stations are also available at each office location:
- Germantown Office: 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown
- Rockville Office: 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville
- Silver Spring Office: 8818 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring
Shelters
Montgomery County Continuum of Care
- If you have minor children, during standard business hours you can call or come into our office at 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD for assessment. The phone number there is 240-777-4550. After hours, you can connect with the Crisis Center at the same address or via phone at 240-777-4000. Click here for more information.
- Adults should call our Homeless Information Resource Line at 240-907-2688.
- Hypothermia shelters have remained open, and will continue to remain open through this public health emergency.
- Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc. For free legal services [email protected] 410-387-3126