The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps DC residents earning less than 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are facing housing emergency, by providing funding for overdue rent including late fees and court costs if qualified household is facing eviction. For DC residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, the program provides security deposit and the first month’s rent assistance.
Click here to learn more or apply for ERAP.
Housing Counseling is designed to encourage and promote a joint effort to assist clients resolve their housing issues and or to secure long term housing opportunities. HCS offers individualized counseling in the following area: rental housing, pre-purchase, non-delinquency post purchase, and budget/credit.
At HCS, our Fair Housing initiative includes education and outreach to groups, individuals and housing professionals to promote equal access to housing for all. We also encourage people who have been the victims of housing discrimination to take steps to have the issue addressed in accordance with the Fair Housing Act and/or the local law depending on the jurisdiction where the incident occurred.
HCS provides free credit and budget counseling.
Clients should schedule a money/credit counseling session if they need help with clearing up credit issues, developing a savings plan, budgeting or addressing other financial concerns. Clients should be prepared to provide all required documents for their appointment. Before scheduling an appointment for money/credit counseling, clients are encouraged to attend HCS’s Money Matters workshop.
Call 202-667-7006 to schedule an appointment.
Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who are experiencing homelessness, unstable housing, foreclosure, poor housing conditions, or other housing related problems can contact Housing Counseling Service’s MHAP Program for housing services. MHAP staff will assist HOPWA eligible households develop a plan to respond to housing barriers and explore housing options.
The HCS RISE Program offers housing counseling to help tenants establish a budget that prioritizes rent payments, learn about options to reduce the risk of eviction, and help to negotiate a payment plan with your landlord. Contact us at (202) 667-7337 or ri*********@********tc.org.
Have you received a notice to vacate? Are you being harassed to move? Have you heard that your building is going to be sold, converted to condos, foreclosed on, renovated, or demolished? Have you been struggling with a landlord that refuses to make repairs or improve your housing conditions?
Housing Counseling Services can assist DC residents in understanding and exercising their tenant rights in a variety of housing situations. We provide information, advice, and resources to help individual tenants and tenant groups navigate landlord-tenant issues and prevent displacement. We do not have attorneys on staff, and we do not provide housing placements
Individual issues: For residents facing individual tenant rights issues, we are available to provide advice and information over the phone or by e-mail.
Building-wide issues: In buildings going through the sale/TOPA process and other building-wide issues, we are available to provide resources, information, and/or hands-on support to help tenants understand their rights and pursue options around collective action. We support tenants in forming and running tenants associations in order to help tenants achieve their goals.
For assistance, please contact us via phone or e-mail: To help us better serve you, whether you call or e-mail, please provide a clear message with your name, number, address, and a brief overview of your tenants rights issue, any actions you have already taken to address the problem, and any specific questions you have.
CONTACT US:
Tenant Anti-Displacement Hotline, 202-900-9464
Email us at te*****@********tc.org
More tenant rights-related resources at HCS:
Want to learn more about tenant rights in DC? Attend a free Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Webinar. Register online here or by calling 202-667-7006.
We are unable to place residents in housing. If you are looking for affordable housing, you may attend HCS’ Rental Housing Search Clinic for information to aid you on your search. Register online here or by calling 202-667-7006.
Have you been discriminated against in the rental housing market? You may receive help filing a fair housing complaint by calling 202-900-9466.
