Services for Renters

Rental Assistance

HCS offers emergency rental assistance through various programs (including the ERAP and CHAP programs) to DC residents who are homeless or in immediate danger of becoming homeless. These rental assistance programs provide emergency payments for back rent, first month’s rent, and security deposit but do not provide ongoing housing subsidies.

Click Here to download a flyer that list other available resources.

Webinars for those Seeking Rental Assistance

English - None available at this time. Please check back with us in February.

Para el seminario web de asistencia para inquilinos haga clic aquí

Documents for the CHAP program and completed CHAP forms should be submitted to:

chap@housingetc.org

Documents for the ERAP program and completed ERAP forms should be submitted to:

erap@housingetc.org

English CHAP Forms

Click Here to download the CHAP Application.

Click Here to download the CHAP Document Checklist.

English ERAP Forms

Click Here to download the ERAP Application.

Click Here to download the ERAP Document Checklist.

Click Here to download the ERAP Document Request Form.

Click Here to download the ERAP Self Certification Form.

Spanish CHAP Forms

Click Here to download the CHAP Application en Espanol.

Click Here to download the CHAP Document Checklist en Espanol.

Spanish ERAP Forms

Click Here to download the ERAP Application en Espanol.

Click Here to download the ERAP Document Checklist en Espanol.

Call the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) at 202-667-7339 to find out what assistance programs are currently available and whether you may be eligible for assistance.

HCS offers rental case management and follow-up counseling to all clients who receive rental assistance.

*HCS also offers specialized rental assistance programs for those living with HIV/AIDS. Click Here for more information.

Resources for Locating Housing

Looking for rental housing in DC?

Attend our weekly Housing Search Clinic.
Register for the Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) rental lottery

Financial/Credit Counseling

HCS can help you develop a strategy for improving your credit and achieving your housing goals (including homeownership) through workshops and counseling.

Attend a free Money Matters / Financial Literacy webinar
Schedule an appointment for a session with a housing counselor at 202-667-7706.

Tenant Rights

Housing Counseling Services works to help renters understand and protect their rights, resolve conflicts with landlords and management companies, avoid displacement, and improve their housing conditions. Staff are not currently going to individual properties or conducting tenant meetings in-person. Should you wish to contact someone regarding a tenant issue, please call 202-900-9464.

Want to learn more about tenant rights in DC? Attend a free Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Webinar
Individual housing problem or dispute with your landlord? Call 202-900-9464 or send an email to tenants@housingetc.org
Building-wide issues in a multi-unit building? Call 202-900-9464 or send an email to tenants@housingetc.org
Have you received notice that your building’s Section 8 contract is going to expire or that your building will be sold, converted to condos, foreclosed on, renovated, demolished, or vacated for any reason? Contact the Tenant Services Program at HCS immediately at 202-900-9464 or send an email to tenants@housingetc.org
Have you been discriminated against in the rental housing market? You may receive help filing a fair housing complaint by calling 202-900-9466.

Other Services for Tenants

Renters are encouraged to call HCS with any housing related questions. HCS also is a referral center and can refer renters to other organizations for assistance.

Lead Safe Washington (By referral only), please call 202-667-7006