10.15.2020 MoCo Highlights Package of Support to Help Renters Take Action to Stay in Their Homes
Montgomery County surveys indicate an estimated 20,000 households, or 15 percent of the 130,000 rental households in the County, are behind on their rent and at risk of eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. County Executive Marc Elrich encourages all concerned renters to act now to take advantage of available financial, legal and counseling resources to help avoid eviction actions.
Rent support ($20 million available): Renters are urged to Apply Now! for the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program – Phase 2. Renters also can call 311 (240-777-0311) to apply for rent payment assistance. Approved households may receive up to $4,000 toward rent. The program continues to accept applicants and anticipates serving 5,000 households by Dec. 30. Assistance is based on availability of funds.
Program eligibility requirements include:
- at least one month behind on rent; and
- income loss related to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
- modest income over the past 30 days; and
- rent payments that represent at least 50 percent of income.
The application process takes only a few minutes; no documents are required for initial application and renters need not have a formal lease. More information is available at COVID-19 Rent Relief Program – Phase 2.
Maryland Legal Aid: During the COVID-19 pandemic, renters have additional protections from eviction. Tenants cannot be evicted without a court order. Any renter who receives a court summons or a termination notice from their landlord (notice to vacate) is urged to call Maryland Legal Aid right away (240-314-0373) to request free advice about their rights and, how to gather their documents to prepare for court. Governor Hogan and Attorney General Frosh recently announced a commitment of $11.7 million to provide legal services to families facing eviction and other housing security issues.
Tenants summoned to court should attend on the scheduled day to tell their side to the judge and present documents of COVID-related income loss, which can stop evictions in many cases. Maryland Legal Aid and Maryland Bar Foundation volunteer attorneys are scheduled to be at the courthouse to help qualified tenants.
Free Services to Answer Renter Questions and Help Reduce Eviction: Every tenant concerned about their rent should find out how to apply for available rent payment assistance; take advantage of counseling and legal aid to forestall eviction; and, get counseling support to work with their landlord on a payment arrangement.
Free counseling supports for renters struggling to pay rent include understanding rights and options (and how to use them); learning about available resources; receiving guidance in working with landlords; and, getting help in responding to any eviction notice.
The best time for tenants to begin working on their situation is before they receive a court notice. Supports for renters can be accessed through montgomerycountymd.gov/renters. The website includes:
- how to reach the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs and support organizations to receive one-on-one guidance for an individual situation; and
- links to upcoming live webinars where renters can get their questions answered; and,
- information for renters about their rights and options.
