Rental Assistance Baltimore City

Administered through the Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success and Community Action Partnership Centers.
Offers case management and up to 6 months of past-due rent or security deposit assistance.
Eligible if you’re below ~80% AMI, reside in a licensed rental unit, and not already on federal subsidy (e.g. Section 8) .
Apply online when portal is open (typically ~30-day periods) or in-person at any of the 5 Community Action Partnership locations, or by calling 410‑396‑5555 .
Last known portal open: Oct 21–Nov 19, 2024 – check their site or call to see if a new round is open .

Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) residents can access ERA funds through United Way’s STEP program, covering up to ~15 months of rent. You must contact your HABC office (not apply directly) .
Maryland Rental Assistance Program (RAP): Up to 12 months rental subsidy for low-income families facing homelessness or crisis. Managed locally—Baltimore RAP office at 217 E Redwood St, Suite 1300, contact 410‑767‑3660 .
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) under ARPA: Administered locally; up to 80% AMI households prioritized, especially those under 50% AMI .

211 Maryland: Dial 2‑1‑1 to get connected to local eviction prevention, rental assistance, legal aid, and security deposit programs (including ACE – Access to Counsel for Eviction) .
Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership (BRHP): Offers voucher-based programs (tenant- or project-based) with counseling spanning pre-move to two-year post-move support .
Non-profits & Legal Aid:
- Project PLASE: housing counseling, eviction support, veterans & disability assistance .
- Public Justice Center: free legal support for renters facing illegal evictions .
- Franciscan Center, Springboard Community Services, House of Ruth Maryland: case management and emergency financial help .
DHCD Renter Resources: Free guidebooks, legal support, renter rights under recent statewide laws .

Call 2‑1‑1 or visit 211 Maryland online to get immediate referrals.
Check BCCAP portal status: call 410‑396‑5555 and ask if new rental cycles are open.
If you’re in public housing, contact your HABC management office for ERA application via United Way.
If facing homelessness or urgent need, reach out to RAP Baltimore on E Redwood St or call the state office above.
For legal help, contact Public Justice Center (410‑625‑9409) or ask 2‑1‑1 for eviction legal services.
For ongoing support, explore BRHP vouchers or Project PLASE programs.

Program

Who Administers

Help Provided

Contact

City Rental Assistance

BCCAP / MOCFS

Up to 6 mo rent/deposit

410‑396‑5555

HABC ERA via United Way

HABC

Up to 15 mo rent

Contact HABC office

RAP (state)

MDOD

Up to 12 mo rent

410‑767‑3660

ERAP

MD DHCD via city

Past/three-month future rent, utilities

Via county portal/2‑1‑1

Legal Aid

Public Justice Center etc.

Free eviction/legal support

Call 410‑625‑9409 or 2‑1‑1

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