Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Relaunch EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RE-LAUNCH OPENS: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020
APPLICATION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020 APPLY TODAY! The Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now offering relief to landlords on behalf of renters experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic through the re-launch of its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
WHO CAN APPLY? Owners, landlords or property managers holding a valid rental license with occupied rental units.
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 (County assistance is capped at $1,800 per month, for rent only, up to 6 months).
For assistance to pay utilities, tenants should apply at the Maryland Department of Human Services, Office of Home Energy Programs at the following link: https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home.../how-do-you-apply/ or tenants can contact their utility provider(s) to discuss assistance options available to them.
For Washington Gas: https://www.washingtongas.com/.../savings/energy-assistance
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;
Head of household must complete a Tenant Self-Certification of Eligibility and Annual Income Form;
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.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
DHCD is administering this program through its online Owner/Landlord Portal. Instructions are available on the link below to assist in using the online portal. The 80% Area Median Income (AMI) table will assist in determining tenant eligibility for the ERA. Information, data and supporting documents from the application will be entered into the online Owner/Landlord Portal by the Owner or its representative. Applications will be reviewed by DHCD and funds disbursed via PGC Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Enrollment Form/Automated Clearing House (ACH) directly to the Owners/Landlords or their designee.
When applying for ERA funds, Owners/Landlords must complete an application for funding and be prepared to upload the following documents as part of the application process:
Application
Rental License Number (issued by the County for the property)
Property Deed
IRS Tax Form W9
PGC Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Enrollment Form/Automated Clearing House (ACH)
Agent or Management Agreement (between the Owner and the Agent)
Owner Losses Report
Rental Lease (1st and Signature pages)
Rent Ledger
Tenant Self-Certification of Eligibility and Annual Income Form
Client Information Authorization
Rental Assistance Agreement
NOTICE OF AWARD AND ACCEPTANCE After the application and supporting documents are submitted, it will take at least 7-10 business days for payment once the Emergency Rental Assistance Agreement is executed by the Owner/Landlord.
Once your application is submitted, you will not be able to go back into the Owner/Landlord Portal to make additional changes to your application unless directed by DHCD. DHCD will review your application and contact you via e-mail regarding any discrepancies or missing information for your application. It is important that you monitor your e-mail for any messages from DHCD.
Applying for funding through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program does not guarantee you will be awarded the full amount. Your application is subject to review by DHCD and funding availability. Following DHCD's review, you will be e-mailed a notice of approval with the dollar value of the approved rental assistance, along with the Rental Assistance Agreement which is non-negotiable. You must indicate acceptance of the final amount of assistance, as determined by DHCD, to receive payment.
It is important that you monitor your e-mail for any messages from DHCD.
