Rent Assistance in District of Columbia

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is the District's main source of back rent help, and it is real but rationed. DHS is not scheduling appointments right now and says scheduling will open December 3, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. It adds that scheduling stays open only until available FY27 funds are covered, so check the portal early.

ERAP is limited to DC residents with income below 40% of area median income. While it is paused, the Office of the Tenant Advocate's April 2026 guide lists other, smaller sources, all subject to availability.

Families at immediate risk of losing housing go through the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, and tenants with a court case can use the free Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network.

Where to Start in District of Columbia

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

Paused until scheduling opens December 3, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., per DHS. Pays overdue rent, security deposits and first month's rent. For back rent, you must be a DC resident at least 30 days behind, and ERAP may pay up to five times the rental amount based on zip code and bedroom count. Income must be under 40% of area median income, with an FY26 limit of $3,824.33 net per month for one person. Help is limited to once in 12 months, and DHS's 45-day processing clock starts at the case manager appointment.

Visit website · Phone: 202-507-6666 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Homelessness Prevention Program (DHS)

For families at imminent risk of losing housing. All referrals go through the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center. Individuals, and families after hours, can use the Homeless Services Hotline at 202-399-7093.

Visit website · Phone: 202-526-0017 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Office of the Tenant Advocate

DC agency giving renters legal help, advocacy and emergency housing support for tenants displaced by fires or government closures. Phone intake runs weekdays 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. It also publishes the Tenant Resource Guide.

Visit website · Phone: (202) 719-6560 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

DHCD Housing Resource Center

Guidance on rental assistance, emergency and transitional housing and housing counseling, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It also offers computer access for searching DCHousingSearch.org.

Visit website · Phone: (202) 442-9505 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

DC Courts Eviction Diversion Program

For landlords and tenants with a case filed in Landlord and Tenant Court. It connects people to resources and offers mediation. Tenants may apply before their initial hearing.

Phone: (202) 879-2073 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Local Rent Help in District of Columbia

Salvation Army Emergency Assistance (Wards 1-6) (Wards 1-6)

Emergency rental, utility and food help for DC residents, per the Tenant Resource Guide. Apply online or in person at 1434 Harvard Street NW, Suite B.

Visit website · Phone: (202) 332-5000 ext. 0 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Salvation Army Emergency Assistance (Wards 7-8) (Wards 7-8)

The same Salvation Army program for east of the river, at 2300 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. Funds are subject to availability.

Visit website · Phone: (202) 678-9770 ext. 4 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Housing Counseling Services: SSVF for veterans (District of Columbia)

Rental and utility help with case management for qualifying veterans. Housing Counseling Services also runs MHAP for people living with HIV/AIDS at (202) 667-2681, and the RISE Program at DC Superior Court at (202) 667-7337 for non-legal housing counseling.

Phone: (202) 667-7366 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in District of Columbia?

The RENTAL Amendment Act of 2025 (D.C. Law 26-80), effective December 31, 2025, cut the notice before a landlord can file for nonpayment from 30 days to 10 and changed how that notice is served. It also shortened the summons period before the first hearing to at least 14 days and allows orders requiring monthly rent to be paid into the court registry during a case. The Tenant Advocate's September 2026 Bill of Rights says a landlord cannot sue over less than $600, evict for late fees or remove you without a court order and the U.S. Marshals, and that paying all you owe before the scheduled date avoids a nonpayment eviction. Legal Aid DC's May 2024 guide, written before the Act, says a pending ERAP application pauses the case and that a losing tenant gets 21 days' notice of the eviction date, so confirm those two points with the Legal Assistance Network. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Legal Aid DC. Free civil legal help for DC residents, including eviction defense. Phone intake runs Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For any eviction case, the Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network offers free legal advice at 202-780-2575. Visit website · Phone: (202) 628-1161

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

More Help in District of Columbia

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

District of Columbia Rent Assistance Questions

Is DC ERAP open?

Not at this moment. DHS says it is not scheduling appointments and that scheduling opens December 3, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Check erap.dhs.dc.gov for the process, since DHS says more details are coming and it can pause scheduling again.

What documents do I need for ERAP?

DHS lists proof of DC residency, photo ID for adults, 30 days of income and bank statements, and proof of the emergency. Security deposit requests also need a rental agreement and proof of need. Submit one application only, because extras do not speed it up.

Where can I get rent help while ERAP is paused?

The Tenant Resource Guide lists the Salvation Army, Housing Counseling Services programs for veterans and people with HIV/AIDS, and Council constituent service funds, all subject to availability. Families at imminent risk should call Virginia Williams at 202-526-0017.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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