Emergency Rental Assistance

Phase 2: Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Harford County is providing temporary emergency rental assistance for tenants who are struggling to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. The County aims its efforts at continued eviction prevention through paying rent arrears and assisting with upcoming rent. Assistance will allow low-income individuals and families to save funds for stability as rents continue to rise, and will also help landlords stay current on their mortgages and other property related expenses. 

Eligible residents of Harford County can apply for up to 18 months* of assistance not exceeding $10,000 through HCD’s online application by clicking here.

• Harford County will use funds to provide financial assistance to households for: 
  • Rent 
  • Rental arrears no later than February 1, 2023 
  • Security deposits (when applicable) 
• Of the 18 months allowed, up to three (3) may be allotted to upcoming rent payments (instead of arrears). 
• If total arrears and 3 months assistance do not exceed 18 months or $10,000 (whichever comes first), households may qualify for assistance up to an additional 3 months of upcoming payments. 
• Applicants accepted to the program must participate in case management during the rental assistance period, and are eligible for additional assistance only if case management goals are met in the timeframe. 
• Funds will be paid directly to the landlord. Landlords receiving direct ERA2 funds must meet the same requirements outlined in the Harford County Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Harford County will not fund monthly rent more than the HUD Fair Market Rate. 
• Applications will be available until funds are exhausted on or before June 30, 2025. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on the prioritization outlined below. 

*18 months must include any and all assistance from ERA1 and ERA2 funds. 

How to submit: 

Download the form-fillable application and email with required documentation to commdev@harfordcountymd.gov. Hard copies are available and can be submitted to: 

Emergency Rental Assistance Program 
Harford County HCD 
15 S Main St 
Bel Air, MD 21014 

BEFORE APPLYING, review the required documentation and eligibility below to be sure of eligibility. 

Required Documentation:

• Last three (3) paystubs or other proof of income for household members aged 18 and over 
• Copy of current, fully executed lease and/or prospective lease when moving into new unit signed by tenant and landlord. If a household does not have a signed lease, documentation of residence may include evidence of paying utilities for the residential unit, an attestation by a landlord who can be identified as the verified owner or management agent of the unit. 
• Most recent bank statement(s). 
• Verification of benefits within the last 30 days (unemployment, food stamps, etc.) 
• W-2/1099 tax forms for 2022 and/or self-certification 
• Notice of past due rent or eviction notice with amount of arrears 
• Photo ID for all household members aged 18 and over 

Recommended 

• Documentation of increased housing costs during the last two (2) years (e.g. utility bills) 
• Proof of termination of employment during the last two (2) years 
• Documentation of status or receipt of other County, State, or Federal assistance for low-income households 
• Documentation of veteran status or disability 

Click the button below to access the application:

Applicant Eligibility: 

To be eligible, a household must be obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling and the grantee must determine that: 

1. One or more individuals within the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship during or due, directly or indirectly, to the coronavirus pandemic; 
2. One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and 
3. The household is a low-income family (as such term is defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b))). 

Prioritization: 

Eligible applicants will be awarded funds as they are available, with priority (in order) to: 

1. Households with 50% or lower than the HUD Area Median Income
2. Households with one or more individuals that have not been employed for the 90-day period preceding the date of application 
3. Households with one or more veterans, persons with disabilities, or seniors 
4. Households with documentation of increased financial hardship or instability during or due to, directly or indirectly, the coronavirus pandemic 

HCD staff will review applications with respect to these priorities first. For more information, read our Harford County ERA2 Policies & Procedures by clicking here.