Resources Available for Tenants and Landlords Impacted by COVID-19
There are several resources available for tenants and housing providers. For more program details please visit: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/rent.
COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program
The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP), a $6.2 million program funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), offers rental assistance to low-income renters who are in arrears. Tenants must earn 80% of the Median Family Income (MFI) or below based on the COVID-19 Income & Rent Schedule. Financial assistance will be based on income and household size. Assistance can be applied for rent from April 2020 onward for up to three months of overdue rent depending on available funds—eligible applicants may be able to apply for an additional 3 months for a total of 6 months of rental assistance.
Mayor Bowser recently announced that she will direct an additional $4 million in CARES Act Community Development Block Grant Funds for the District’s Coronavirus Housing Assistance Program (CHAP), bringing the program to $10.2 million.
Interested applicants are asked to fill out intake information by going to the central intake portal for emergency rental assistance. Click here to apply and read more about this program.
Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program
The Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA), a $1.5 million program funded by the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, offers tenant-based rental assistance to low-income renters. HOME funds are typically used to support affordable housing projects and for home purchase assistance programs. DHCD redirected these funds to help low-income renters, in affordable housing communities, that have lost income during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Tenants can contact Housing Counseling Services and Latino Economic Development Center to express interest in applying to the program.
- Housing Counseling Services – (202) 667-7713
- Latino Economic Development Center – (202) 588-5102 or (202) 540-7401
Housing Stabilization Grant Initiative
On Monday, November 30th, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a new $10 million investment in Housing Stabilization Grants to provide support for the District’s portfolio of affordable and small housing providers.
The grants will utilize federal CARES Act funding to cover rent arrears during the COVID-19 public health emergency in order to assist renters and to stabilize properties that may be heading toward distress.
As a condition for the assistance, the housing provider will be required to absolve the tenant of all arrears, including fees, penalties, and interest, accrued during the period of April 1, 2020, through November 30, 2020. This means that tenants will be caught up on any and all back-rent during the public health emergency. Applications are open; Friday, December 11, 2020 is the deadline to submit an application for this program.
The DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) has been allocated $9 million to administer the program for housing providers in the District’s portfolio of income restricted affordable housing projects financed by the Housing Production Trust Fund, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, or other local and federal affordable housing funds.
For details on application requirements, please visit: http://dchfa.org/housing-stabilization-grants/
For questions about the program or your application, please contact DCHFA at hsg@dchfa.org.
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