Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Program is available to provide short-term rental assistance to eligible households that have experienced lost income due to the COVID-19 health crisis, causing them to fall behind on rent. The program is managed by the County's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), with funding from the Federal Department of Treasury's Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
While funds are available, the program will provide up to $12,000 to eligible households to pay back rent owed and/or pay for up to three months of future rent. For households below 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), additional financial help may be available. Funds awarded will take into account any other local, State or Federal assistance received to pay rent.
To be eligible for the COVID Rent Relief Phase 3 Program, households must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
- Have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19.
- Gross household income from previous 30 days at or below 50 percent of AMI.
- Have been a Montgomery County resident since at least August 2020.
- Owe at least $1,000 or more to current landlord.
More information about the program, including where to access an application, can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/SNHS/rent-relief.html.