Millions of dollars in rental assistance funds are available in D.C., Maryland and Virginia alone. News4 Consumer Reporter Susan Hogan explains more about the available resources.
Many renters who were facing eviction now have more time to stay in their homes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new eviction moratorium late Tuesday that will protect many renters until Oct. 3. The Biden administration sought to quell intensifying criticism from progressives that it was allowing vulnerable renters to lose their homes during a pandemic.
The ban will temporarily halt evictions in counties with substantial or high levels of virus transmission, covering areas where most of the U.S. population lives.
To check the COVID-19 transmission level where you live, go to the CDC website here. If your area has high or substantial transmission for 14 consecutive days, you’re protected.
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If you haven’t already filled out a CDC declaration, do so and give it to your landlord.
Also, apply for rental assistance if you need it.
Millions of dollars in rental assistance funds are available in D.C., Maryland and Virginia alone. Here are some resources in our region.
DC
The District received $350 million in federal aid to help qualifying tenants pay overdue rent and utility bills. This is through a fairly new program called STAY DC. It will pay up to 12 months of past-due rent and utilities and three months of rent and utilities going forward. Go here to apply.
Maryland
Maryland also was allocated millions of dollars for rental assistance. The state is administering federal emergency rental funding either through local jurisdictions or the property management of affordable rental properties. There’s a call center if you need help with rental assistance: 877-546-5595. You also can go here for more info or contact the United Way of Central Maryland. The group is helping local governments with their eviction prevention programs.
Virginia
Virginia residents are advised to reach out to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. You can find their website here and information on the Virginia Rent Relief Program here. Depending on the availability of funds and household need, the rent relief program may provide financial assistance for rent payments, including past-due rent dating back to April 1, 2020.
Fairfax County is running its own rental assistance program. Information can be found here.
Each of the programs have eligibility requirements.
