Fairfax County Emergency Rental Assistance

 

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Fairfax County is administering the Emergency Rental Assistance Bridge Program ERA-BP.

Eligibility for the ERA-BP includes the following: Fairfax County community member, household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income AMI; rental rate up to 150 percent of the Fair Market Rent FMR; up to four (4) months of assistance to maintain or secure housing (arrears balance as of 3/13/20, the current month, and a maximum two (2) months of prospective rent).

ERA-BP applications may be submitted online through the Community Member Portal Sign In/Sign Up webpage by tenants or with the Landlord Portal by landlords, or by contacting Coordinated Services Planning CSP (community member) at 703-222-0880 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Fairfax County is administering relief for renters experiencing a negative financial impact through the Emergency Rental Assistance ERA-BP 4.0. Through this program, you can apply (or your landlord may apply on your behalf) to receive rent assistance. The rent assistance is applicable to arrears (balance as of March 13, 2020), the current month, and a maximum two (2) months of prospective rent. The total payments may not exceed a total of four (4) months of rental assistance per household. Individuals who have previously received assistance from Fairfax County may apply again through this new program.

There are two ways to access emergency rental assistance:

  1. Residents experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to call Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880, TTY 711. CSP can help with linking residents to foundational needs including housing payments (rent, fees, and security deposit).
  2. Landlords seeking rental assistance on behalf of their tenants can submit a Rent Assistance Request through the Landlord Portal.

The ERA Program will provide financial help on behalf of renters who meet the following criteria*:

  • Have a valid lease agreement in their name or other documents confirming the landlord-tenant relationship and live in the unit at time of application.
  • Have a rent amount that is at or below 150% Fair Market Rent. In Fairfax County, that means the rent cannot be more than the values below the values in the “150% of FMR” line below:

Property Size

0 Bedrooms
(Studio/Efficiency)

1 Bedroom2 Bedrooms3 Bedrooms4 Bedrooms
150% of FMR$2,930$3,023$3,369$4,253$4,998

 

  • Have a gross household income at or below 80% of the area median income. In Fairfax County, that means the household income cannot be more than the values in the “Low (80%)” line below:

Household Size

1 
Person

2 
People

3 
People

4 
People

5 
People

6 
People

7 
People

8 
People

Low (80% of AMI)$74,800$85,450$96,150$106,800$115,350$123,900$132,450$141,000

 

  • Assists up to 4 months of rent (arrears balance as of 3/13/20, the current month, and a maximum of two (2) months of prospective rent) for those with a presenting financial hardship where present/future income can meet their base rent or who are court involved, if the household income is at 80% or below AMI and 150% FMR.

*Tenants that do not meet these criteria may be eligible for other assistance programs. Have them call Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880, TTY 711, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., for information.

Required documentation includes:

  • Proof of income (e.g., paystubs, bank statements, letter from employer, pension).
  • Valid lease or other documentation of landlord- tenant relationship.
  • Rent ledger (landlord provides).
  • W-9 as applicable (landlord provides).

Verification of court involvement may be required.

Documentation to verify financial hardship may be required.

When coordinating Rental Assistance directly with county residents, staff will:

  • Work with residents to identify their needs.
  • Collect required information and provide support and link to resources.
  • With residents’ permission, communicate necessary information with Community Based Organizations (CBO) to address your needs.
  • Request verifications to support their request via email and/or fax.
  • Make eligibility determination according to program guidelines.
  • Confirm landlords will participate with this program.
  • Send referrals to CBO requesting payment be sent and/or additional services offered.

Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (through the CSP Call Center and the Landlord Portal) will determine program eligibility and then refer the eligible tenant or landlord to a designated contracted Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) which will process all financial payments on behalf of the applicant. Payments will be made directly to the landlord. The applicant will not receive direct financial assistance.

The program will process applications as they are received. At this time, funds are available to provide financial assistance to all anticipated eligible applicants.

The county will utilize the FairFACS database to track eligibility and payments made on behalf of eligible households. Data will be extracted from this system to meet federal reporting requirements.

 

 

View Public Service Announcements (PSA) on the Program

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View Eviction Prevention Main Page for More Information and Resources on Maintaining Stable Housing.

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