County Begins Phase Two Of COVID-19 Rent Relief Program

ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County has launched phase two of its rent relief program, which is designed to help low-income households hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and will be prioritized based on neighborhoods that had the highest impact from the public health crisis.

The program provides up to $4,000 to eligible households to cover the cost for back rent (arrears) and/or a rent credit for future months.

To be eligible, renters must:

• Certify that they have income under 60 percent of the average median income ($65,529 for a family of three)
• Have lost income due to COVID-19
• Be rent-burdened and behind on rent
• Be a county resident since February 2020

Households that have already received a COVID Rent Relief Grant, a State Assisted Housing Relief Program grant (through their property), or those who are receiving a housing voucher are not eligible, according to county officials.

The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program is separate and different than the Housing Opportunities Commission's Rental Assistance Program, but households can apply to both.

Residents can apply or get more information about the county's rent relief program here. They can complete the online application or call 3-1-1 for additional assistance.

Those facing an immediate loss of housing should also call 3-1-1 to discuss their situation with Montgomery County Housing Stabilization Services.