Loudoun County residents who are experiencing difficulty paying rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for rent payment assistance from two programs: the county’s Limited Rent Assistance program (LRA) and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Rent Relief Program (RRP).
Recent changes in the Virginia RRP will be reflected in the county’s LRA program. Residents may now be eligible for one or the other of these programs, based on their family size and income. More residents may now qualify for rent assistance as a result of these changes, which allow for a greater range of income eligibility.
Both programs include financial assistance for rent payments past due beginning April 1, 2020, and after, with opportunity for renewal based on the household’s continued eligibility, need for additional rental assistance and availability of funding. The state program allows for up to 12 months of payments, while the county’s program offers nine months.
Anyone who has received rent assistance from the county’s LRA program in the past may now be referred to the Virginia program, depending on income and household size. The state’s program applies to those at a lower income threshold (for example, those with an annual income of $79,600 or below for a household of four) while the county’s program is for those with higher income levels (for example, those with an annual income above $79,600 for a household of four). Visit the county’s Limited Rent Assistance webpage to determine which program you should apply to, based on your household size and annual income.
The terms of the program include:
- Direct payments made to landlords or property management companies on behalf of residents who qualify for the program.
- Residents must be current in their rent payments as of March 31, 2020.
- The program will continue as long as the local emergency declaration is in effect and funding is available.
Residents who were current in their rent payments as of March 31, 2020, and who now need help paying rent may submit an online application and upload required documentation, such as a current lease and paperwork that shows a job loss, reduced income or hardship due to COVID-19.
The county’s online application system allows applicants to use a computer, tablet or mobile phone to complete their application, including uploading all required documentation. This documentation will be verified to determine eligibility. Submitting an application does not guarantee financial assistance will be provided.
To view an application checklist and to complete an online application, visit loudoun.gov/limitedrentassistance. To request a paper copy of the application form and checklist, or for assistance in completing the application, contact the county’s Information and Referral program at 703-777-0420.
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