Governor Ralph Northam has announced $12 million in additional funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to Virginia’s Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP), due to high demand for financial assistance. The program provides short-term assistance to households and landlords in the form of rent and mortgage payments to help avoid eviction or foreclosure due to COVID-19.
The RMRP was first launched in June with $50 million in federal CARES Act dollars to help renters and homeowners whose income has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic stay in their homes. Last month, the program also began allowing landlords to apply for payments on behalf of tenants. Families with children in the home represent the majority of households assisted by the program.
Eligible households must demonstrate an inability to make rent or mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Monthly rent or mortgage must be at or below 150 percent Fair Market Rent (FMR), and eligible households must have a gross household income at or below 80 percent of area median income (AMI).
To identify the local RMRP administering organization for a household and to conduct a self-assessment for eligibility, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/eligibility or call 211 VIRGINIA by dialing 2-1-1 from your phone.
Related Resources:
Additional Virginia housing resources are available online at www.stayhomevirginia.com.
Any Fairfax County resident in need of Emergency Housing, Rent or Utility Assistance or help with Other Basic Needs may contact Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880, TTY 711, Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Specialists are available to help refer you to both county- and community-based resources for which you may be eligible.
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