COVID-19 RENTAL RELIEF PROGRAM
Eligible Montgomery County renters can now apply for additional COVID-19 rent relief through the fourth phase of the County’s Rent Relief program, which provides financial assistance for tenants who have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused them to fall behind on their rent and/or utilities. The program is administered by the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The deadline to submit the application and all the supporting documents are Thursday, June 30, 2022
To apply for financial assistance, households must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements. Household members must:
- have experienced COVID-19 financial hardship,
- have a household gross income from either their 2020 or 2021 tax return or the previous 30 days that is at or below 50 percent of area median income,
- have resided in Montgomery County since at least August 2021,
- have an obligation to pay rent, formally or informally, and
- be behind on their rental obligation by at least two months.
Each eligible household will need to submit the following documents:
- Tenant Income and Eligibility Form (English) (Spanish)signed by all adult household members over the age of 18 (must indicate COVID impact on the form).
- Tenant Affidavit (English) (Spanish) signed by all adult household members over the age of 18.
- Rental History Certification (English) (Spanish) completed by the landlord.
- Landlord’s rental registration number.
- Photograph identification for all adult household members over the age of 18.
- Income Verification for all adult household members over the age of 18 who are not full time students. Documents include but are not limited to:
- Pay Stubs from the last 30 days,
- Letter from employer,
- Federal Tax Return from 2020 or 2021,
- Unemployment verification,
- Most recent bank statement for all accounts from all household members,
- Rent Ledger,
- First and the last page of the lease (if the lease is not current then documentation of proof of residency is required such as utility bill, bank statement, etc.),
- Verification of utility debt (if applicable).
To apply for the program online and for more information, visit www.mc311.com/rentrelief.
Questions regarding COVID-19 Rent Relief Program:
People in households without internet access or who need assistance completing the application should call 311 (240-777-0311) to get connected with County staff or partners that can assist them in completing an application. Renters facing an immediate loss of housing should also call 311 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to be connected with DHHS’ Housing Stabilization Services. For more answers to frequently asked questions about Phase Four, visit www.mc311.com/rentrelief.
If you are a Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) customer and have questions or require assistance, email the HOC Call Center staff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (240) 627-9400, Monday through Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additional Utility Assistance
Eligible households who have utility responsibilities and need additional financial assistance can apply for the Home Energy Program available through the County’s Department of Health and Human Services. To apply for Home Energy Program, visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of- home-energy programs, or drop off a paper application at 1301 Piccard Drive, 4th floor, Rockville, MD 20850.
Each eligible household will need to submit the following documents:
- Completed Home Energy Program application ( English) ( Spanish).
- Completed Water Assistance ( English) ( Spanish).
- Living Arrangement Form ( English) ( Spanish) or Mortgage Invoice/tax bill (homeowner).
- Proof of identity of the applicant (Photo ID).
- Proof of citizenship for all household members.
- Social Security cards for all household members.
- Proof of household’s gross monthly income for the last 30 days.
- Electric bill and/or heating bill.
- Water/wastewater bill.
Questions regarding Home Energy Program:
Applicants interested in applying for the Home Energy Program can contact The Office of Home Energy Programs by calling 240-777-4050, Monday through Friday, from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.