COVID-19 Rent Relief Program - Phase 2

Apply online now Or, apply by calling 311 (240-777-0311)

COVID-19 Rent Relief Program - Phase 2 details - check your eligibility, and learn more

The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program provides short-term rental assistance to eligible households who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have fallen behind on their rent. While funds are available, the program will provide up to $4,000 to eligible households to cover the cost for back rent (also called arrears) and/or a rent credit for future months. The program is funded through a $20 million supplemental appropriation to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Applications will be prioritized based on areas of highest COVID-19 impact. Households outside of the initial “high impact” neighborhoods ( see map ) will be placed on a waitlist and contacted as capacity allows. This helps the program reach communities significantly affected by COVID-19, which have more households facing homelessness, and are more likely to get evicted.

Funds are now being released to County residents and applications continue being accepted.

In the meantime, tenants are encouraged to pay what they can for rent, as the rent is still due.

Contact these local organizations for help in submitting your application: Support Organizations

The Federal (CDC) Eviction Protection Order temporarily suspends evictions through December 31, 2020. This option offers a way for the tenant to inform the landlord that they can, when they are able, pay their rent - but in the meantime, maintain their place to stay. It is a means to stop eviction until the CDC order expires. It does not take away the duty to pay rent.

This Order suspends eviction (such as for failure to pay rent) for tenants who sign and deliver a statement to their landlord that they meet eligibility requirements.

To consider whether you can access this federal protection against eviction:

1. Learn whether you are eligible and understand the paperwork. See our Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions.;
2. Sign the  CDC-provided Declaration form (PDF) , if you believe you are eligible for eviction protection, as all five conditions are true and correct; and,
3. Give a copy of your declaration to your landlord and keep proof of that.

Contact these local organizations to get help: Support Organizations

The Governor’s April 3, 2020 Executive Order temporarily prohibits evictions of tenants who have court hearings for failure to pay rent, who can document a substantial loss of income due to COVID-19 or the related state of emergency and catastrophic health emergency, including job loss; reduction in hours of work; closure of place of employment; or need to miss work to care for a home-bound school-age child.

If a judge accepts the documents as proof, the moratorium on eviction will remain in place “until the state of emergency is terminated and the proclamation of the catastrophic health emergency is rescinded....” Once the emergency is ended and the Governor’s Order is rescinded, the judgment for possession will take effect. There will not be a new court date; the judgment will be entered and acted on, automatically.

As long as this Governor’s order remains in place, tenants who are called to appear in court for a failure-to-pay-rent case have a defense against eviction. To make your case, you must

• appear in court when your case comes up, and
• present proof of substantial income loss due to the COVID-19 emergency.

Proof of income loss

Depending on your type of income, you might provide proof of substantial income loss using documents such as

• an email or screenshot of a text from your employer advising you of reduced hours or layoff;
• a series of wage statements showing a drop in income;
• a series of monthly bank statements showing reduced pay deposit amounts; or
• other accounting records.

If you had to stop work to care for a home-bound school-age child, gather proof (such as their birth certificate and something from their school confirming they are enrolled).

Gather your documents now

Gather your proof of income loss now so you have it available if you are called to Court. This is important, as eviction notices typically arrive just a few days before the scheduled Court date.

Contact these local organizations to get help: Support Organizations

Landlords may issue eviction notices reflecting the lease agreement, and pursue collection actions.

However, no eviction can occur until

• the court hears the case,
• the court issues a court order, and
• the eviction is scheduled by the Sheriff’s Office.

That means that a landlord can never change the locks, cut utilities, or remove your belongings without a court order and a Sheriff present.

If a landlord attempts to physically evict you without a court order, you can call the Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

For more information, call 311 (240-777-0311) to reach the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs.

Tenant Holding Over

When your lease expires, if you are not offered (or choose not to sign) a one- or two-year lease, your landlord can give you a notice to vacate. Usually, 60-days notice is required, which can be at lease expiration or later. If you haven’t left by the end of the notice-to-vacate timeframe, the landlord can file a tenant holdover case to enforce the notice to vacate.  

It will be up to the Courts to decide whether the federal (CDC) Eviction Protection Order offers protection to tenants in various tenant holdover situations.

If you receive a notice from your landlord to terminate your lease or vacate the property or, if you receive a summons to appear in court, call Maryland Legal Aid at 240-314-0373 or one of the Support Organizations. And, go to Court on the assigned date.

Breach of Lease

A tenant may be given a 30-day notice that they are in breach of the lease (for example, the apartment doesn’t allow pets and the tenant has a dog). A tenant can remedy a breach. For example, a tenant with a dog may have thought the landlord wouldn’t mind, but they learn that the landlord does mind. At that point, the tenant can rehome the dog and the breach is remedied.

If it is a minor breach, the judge can decide whether it warrants eviction.

If you receive a breach of lease notice from your landlord or a summons to appear in court, call Maryland Legal Aid at 240-314-0373 or one of the Support Organizations. And, go to Court on the assigned date.

Failure to Pay Rent

A landlord can file a Failure to Pay Rent case when a tenant is behind on their rent. These cases are backed up but are beginning to work through the Courts.

Tenants can review the federal eviction protection (CDC) and if they are eligible, give their landlord a signed declaration.

And/or, tenants can prepare to assert a defense against eviction using the state eviction protection (Governor’s Order), by collecting the documents now to present in court.

The state and/or federal eviction protections can delay eviction and provide more time for landlords and tenants to work out a payment plan. Renters have the right to pay owed rent at any time. The landlord must accept the rent payment, and cancel the eviction process if rent is brought current.

If you receive a summons to appear in court, call Maryland Legal Aid at 240-314-0373 or one of the Support Organizations. And, go to Court on the assigned date.

If you receive a notice in the mail from the Sheriff’s office, and perhaps also a red and white notice on your door, that’s the last step before being evicted. It means an eviction is imminent. You must start seeking help and making plans for your next step.

Housing Stabilization Services

If you have received a summons for a court hearing, or a decision on your eviction case from the courts,  Housing Stabilization Services may be able to help. Call 311 (240-777-0311) to discuss your situation.

Prepare for Court and Be Sure to Attend

When you get that court notice, take note of the date. Always attend the court date and bring the summons with you. If not, the landlord will get a judgment against you, whether you agree or disagree with it. At the court house, Maryland Legal Aid and Maryland Bar Foundation volunteer attorneys are scheduled to be there to help qualified tenants. By appearing in court, you give yourself an opportunity to tell your side to the judge. If you do not appear in court, you will have no influence over the judgment, which may include an amount due and can lead to eviction.

As soon as you get your summons or notice to vacate, contact Maryland Legal Aid or, someone at one of the support organizations. They can tell you what paperwork to bring to court. They also can help you review your other options, including federal and state eviction protections.

You can also call Maryland Housing Court Self Help for information about the Court process: 410-260-1392

Review the federal eviction protections

• Learn whether you are eligible and understand the paperwork. See our  Fact Sheet and  Frequently Asked Questions.;
• Sign the CDC-provided Declaration form (PDF) , if you believe you are eligible for eviction protection, as all five conditions are true and correct; and,
• Give a copy of your declaration to your landlord and keep proof of that.

Review the state eviction protections

• If the Governor’s April 3, 2020 Executive Order temporarily prohibiting evictions of tenants experiencing substantial loss of income is still in place, bring proof of substantial loss of income due to COVID-19 as a defense against eviction.
• Depending on your type of income, you might provide such proof using documents such as
  • an email from your employer notifying you of reduced hours or layoff;
  • a series of wage statements showing a drop in income;
  • a series of monthly bank statements showing reduced pay deposit amounts;
  • and/or other accounting records.

The Maryland Court of Appeals announced a re-opening schedule that will include landlord-tenant cases in District Court:

• As of July 25, 2020, the pause on evictions was lifted for all pending residential eviction orders filed prior to May 22, 2020, and the District Court began hearing such matters.
• As of August 31, 2020, the District Court began to process and hear any Failure to Pay Rent actions that were filed from the date of the order (May 22) through July 25.
• Currently, District Court is hearing failure to pay rent cases on Wednesdays (with some on Friday mornings). It will take some time to work through all the cases.
• Beginning October 5, 2020, the District Court resumes full operations.

It is important for anyone who receives a summons for a Court date to prepare information on rent payments and COVID-19-related income losses and, to attend the Court date. Maryland Legal Aid and Maryland Bar Foundation pro bono lawyers are scheduled to be at the court to assist qualified tenants. If you receive a court summons or notice to vacate, call Maryland Legal Aid at 240-314-0373

Contact these local organizations for additional help: Support Organizations

You can also call Maryland Housing Court Self Help for information about the Court process: 410-260-1392

Housing Stabilization Services

If you have received a summons for a court hearing, or a decision on your eviction case from the courts, Housing Stabilization Services may be able to help. Call 311 (240-777-0311) to discuss your situation.

• See resources for information on financial assistance, food resources, health and utilities
• Visit WorkSource Montgomery or call 301-929-6880 for job search supports.
• Apply for the Renters Tax Credit before October 31

Renters Tax Credit: Renters with very low income may qualify for a tax credit (a check of up to $1,000). Application deadline has been extended to October 31, 2020.

• Qualified renters also automatically receive a 50% matching Montgomery County tax credit, to be mailed by the end of March 2021.
  • Last year, qualified renters who applied received, on average, $277 Renters Tax credit from Montgomery County. 
  • Application process is brief. Renters can apply online or on paper, with their 2019 tax form and Social Security number. 

• You might qualify if your household income last year was below a certain amount and the renter is either age 60+; under age 60 with children under age 18; or, 100% disabled. 
  • If you are a renter age 60+ or 100% disabled, with 2019 income up to about $70,000 and comparatively high rental costs,  see Chart 1 – Age 60 or Older OR 100% Disabled (PDF) to learn whether you might qualify. 
  • If you are a renter under age 60 with at least one child under 18 living with you in 2019 and you had very low 2019 income (e.g., up to $25,701 for a family of four)  see Chart 2 – Under 60 Years of Age (PDF) to learn whether you might qualify.

• To apply by October 31 (extended deadline, this year):
  • Visit the Tax Credit application website to apply online  (Log in; Select “Personal”; Choose “Renters Property Tax Credit Application Form – RTC (2020)”; Fill out the form online) 
  • Or, print out the  Renter Application Form (PDF) and mail to the “Return to” address listed 

The COVID-19 Renter Relief Act (the Act), effective April 24, 2020, prohibits landlords from increasing existing tenants’ rent by more than 2.6% after April 24 and during the COVID-19 catastrophic health emergency signed by the Governor on March 5 or notifying tenants of a rent increase of more than 2.6% during the COVID-19 emergency and for 90 days after the emergency ends. For more information, see the Summary of COVID-19 Renter Relief Act or Explanatory Scenarios Regarding the COVID-19 Renter Relief Act.

• By law, all rent increases communicated during the emergency and for 90 days after the emergency cannot include a rent increase of more than 2.6%
• If you select a month-to-month lease, 1-year lease, or 2-year lease, your rent can increase by no more than 2.6% for rent increases communicated during the emergency or for 90 days after.
• If you select a 2-year lease, your rent for the second year also cannot increase by more than 2.6% above the year one rent if the rate increase was communicated to you during the emergency or within 90 days after the emergency ends.
• A 2-year lease must state the rent amount for the full term of the lease; it cannot leave the second year rent amount unstated.

This means that a one-year or two-year lease renewed now, or within 180 days of the end of the emergency, cannot include annual rent increase of greater than 2.6%. Additionally, a tenant who does not sign a one-year or two-year lease (by their choice or because it wasn’t offered to them) begins paying rent on a month-to-month basis. Those rent amounts also cannot be increased by more than 2.6% per year, until the protection expires. Landlords can increase your rent only once every 12 months.

If a rent increase of more than 2.6% was charged and paid at any time after April 24, the tenant should contact the landlord to work out a correction and refund of the differential. The DHCA Office of Landlord and Tenant Affairs can help with explanations and working through any adjustments. Call 311 (240-777-0311).

With funds running low for reasons beyond their control, some tenants have asked whether they can break their lease without large financial penalties. The  Landlord-Tenant Handbook includes a list of “Reasons beyond the Tenant’s Control” under which a tenant may terminate the lease agreement by giving the landlord a 30-day written notice to vacate.

This notice does not have to coincide with the rent payment cycle. This option applies to a tenant who cannot fulfill the balance of the rental contract because of an involuntary change of employment from the Washington Metropolitan area (generally 25 miles); death of a major wage earner; unemployment; tenant or tenant’s child being the victim of domestic violence; a landlord harassing the tenant or violating the tenant’s privacy rights; the tenant or tenant’s spouse being 62 or older, no longer able to live independently and needing to move to a nursing home or other senior housing; tenant being incarcerated or declared mentally incompetent; or for any other reasonable cause beyond the tenant’s control.

The tenant should be prepared to explain the specific circumstances in the notice to vacate and provide evidence to substantiate the reasons at the time the notice is given. The tenant is responsible for rent through the notice period. Under these circumstances, the tenant may be liable for a termination fee not to exceed one month’s rent or actual damages sustained by the landlord as a result of the breach, whichever is less.

More information about this topic is available in the Landlord-Tenant Handbook.

All apartment buildings must clean high touch surfaces in common areas at least once a day following the CDC guidelines, with recommendation for more frequent cleaning in high traffic areas.

Apartment buildings must also post these items in common areas. If you don’t see them posted in your building, please call 311 (240-777-0311).

The County offers COVID-19 health, safety and tenant posters for apartment buildings, including multilingual flyers on “Face Covering Required,” “Stop the Spread of Germs,” and “Social Distancing,” as well as multilingual “Guidance for Multifamily Building Residents.”

If staff or tenants in your building are not wearing face masks in building common areas, call 311 (240-777-0311) to file a complaint. Code Enforcement will reach out to the property owner and educate them of the need to comply with the County mask requirements.

Department of Housing & Community Affairs (DHCA) handles Housing Code Complaints

DHCA Code Enforcement staff handle and enforce the County’s housing and building maintenance codes. Code Enforcement is responsible for inspecting rental properties for unsafe housing conditions.

During COVID-19, DHCA continues to review and assess housing code complaints. Contact DHCA online , or call 311 (or 240-777-0311) to submit service requests.

Staff from DHCA Housing Code Enforcement is responding by phone or e-mail to every service request to assess the situation, consider ways to address it and explain the timing of any further actions. Please be aware that some actions/inspections/investigations may not be immediately forthcoming, based on the nature and severity of the issue.

In most cases, inspectors will handle the inspection remotely by requesting photo or video evidence and then contacting the property manager to ask them to resolve the violation. If the correction doesn’t happen, the inspector will take enforcement action.

Additional Housing inspections

DHCA inspectors are doing exterior inspections and also have started conducting specific, structured inspections for Foster Care and Adoption and Accessory Dwelling Units. These limited Inspections involve additional safety measures that include:

• Only one person from the household or a management representative is to accompany the assigned Inspector during the scheduled inspection.
• All parties must use face coverings during the inspection at all times.
• Social distancing must be maintained during the inspection process.
• The person accompanying inspection staff will operate all doors and windows, turn on and off lights, operate equipment and test smoke alarms and CO detectors.
• If further conversations are needed to take place before or after the inspection, these discussions will be done outdoors with social distancing and face masks.

Routine inspections

Due to COVID-19, the County has put on hold its protocol of systematically inspecting all apartment buildings in the County on a routine schedule, based on designation as Compliant, At-Risk and Troubled Properties.

These temporary Inspection procedures will be adjusted as the County moves into additional phases of Reopening Montgomery County and with advisement from County health officials.

The  Landlord-Tenant Handbook describes the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in Montgomery County.

If you have questions or concerns, contact the County’s Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs directly by

• calling 311 (240-777-0311)
• submitting an online request, or
• emailing olta.intake@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The County Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs (OLTA) enforces County landlord-tenant laws, state security deposit law; questions about leases and, rights and obligations of tenants and landlords. To reach OLTA, call 311 (240-777-0311) and ask to speak with someone. An investigator will call you back within 48 hours; often on the same day. OLTA staff tries to call multiple times and will call the following day as well.

When you speak with a Landlord-Tenant investigator, they will provide as much support over the phone as possible. If a complaint form is needed to solve the issue, we will provide you the form and pursue the complaint process.

You are free to contact the Department of Health and Human Services or your landlord/property manager to ask for help.

If you have COVID-19 health- and testing-related concerns and questions, contact the Montgomery County Disease Control Call Center at 240-777-1755. The Call Center is open Monday through Sunday, 8 AM to 8 PM.

Protected health information

Patient health information includes information related to COVID-19 test results, isolation, monitoring or quarantine status.

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Maryland confidentiality laws

• You are not obligated to share protected health information related to COVID-19 with your landlord or other residents. 
• Landlords/Property Managers should not report residents' or staff's protected health information to the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Landlords/Property Managers must not share with other residents any health-related information about individual tenants, whether the information identifies the tenant or not. 

Renters cannot be evicted for testing positive

Renters, including those who rent a room or a basement in someone’s house, cannot be kicked out for testing positive for COVID-19. If a landlord attempts to physically evict you during this moratorium, call the Police non-emergency number (301-279-8000).

• You may shelter in place if it allows you to stay away from the other members of the household.
• If you have no place to stay, contact the County Health and Human Services Crisis Center at 240-777-4000.