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.

To apply for the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) go to:

http://forms.dhcd.dc.gov/s3/CHAP

To apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) go to:

https://erap.dhs.dc.gov/

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

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 Services Department (Tenant Rights & Anti-Displacement)

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?

The Tenant Services Department at Housing Counseling Services is here to help. As tenant advocates, we 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:

Leave a voicemail on our Tenant Services Hotline, 202-900-9464

Email us at tenants@housingetc.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 202-667-7606.
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 202-667-7606.
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