Resources for Renters

Safe, stable, and affordable housing is a basic need. When housing costs take up more than 30% of a household’s income, it can be harder to afford other essentials like food, transportation, or medical care. This page includes links to resources and organizations that help renters find housing, navigate rent challenges, and connect with supportive programs.

Find Affordable Housing

MD Housing Search: Md Housing Search is a free service sponsored by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that lists rental properties throughout the state of Maryland.
HUD Resource Locator (Select Find Affordable Elderly and Special Needs Housing): Lookup Affordable Elderly and Special Needs housing through the HUD Resource locator.

Rental Assistance and Support

For individuals experiencing financial hardship, the following organizations offer programs and support services that may provide assistance or connect you to additional resources.

Maryland Renters' Tax Credit: Direct check payment up to $1,000 per year for qualified renters.
MD Department of Human Services Financial Assistance Programs: The Maryland Department of Human Services provides programs that offer assistance such as homeless prevention crisis grants, Temporary Cash Assistance and energy assistance.
Housing Choice Voucher Program: The federal program provides rental subsidies in the form of vouchers to eligible families or individuals to use toward housing payments. For information on how to apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority.

To check the status of your name on a waitlist for a Housing Choice Voucher, go to MRI Waitlist Check.

For Veterans

MD Department of Veterans Affairs Housing Services
Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families: The Department provides information on local county resources, including veterans’ commissions, work groups, and councils, to support veterans and their families. If your county offers local services but is not listed, contact the Department at 410-260-3838 for assistance.
Alliance SSVF: 443-900-4731
Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans: 1-877-770-4801
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-424-3838
Supported Services for Veterans - St. James: 410-742-4950
VA Homeless Outreach: 443-326-4337

For Individuals with Disabilities

Maryland Department of Disabilities: The Maryland Department of Disabilities offers information and resources on rental assistance, homeownership programs, utility support, home modifications, and housing rights for people with disabilities.
Maryland Centers for Independent Living: Centers for Independent Living offer support for accessible and affordable housing, home modifications, and services that help individuals with disabilities live independently in their communities.
The Arc: The Arc supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, resources, and programs that promote inclusion and independent living in the community.
Community Pathways Waiver: The Maryland Department of Health’s Community Pathways Waiver provides support services that help individuals with developmental disabilities live more independently at home and in the community, through both self-directed and agency-based models.
MD Department of Human Services Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): The Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) provides short-term financial support to low-income Marylanders with disabilities who have no dependent children.

For Elderly Individuals

MD Department of Aging Programs and Services: The Maryland Department of Aging offers a variety of programs and services to support older adults, including health, wellness, and community-based resources.
MD Department of Aging Senior Care Services: Maryland’s Senior Care Services program provides assistance with long-term care options, including home and community-based services to help seniors live independently.

Facing an Eviction or Homelessness

Maryland 2-1-1: Immediate assistance is available by calling Maryland 2-1-1 (toll free from any phone). Call specialists are trained to assist people faced with housing needs, utility shutoffs, family crisis, financial, legal, employment and other issues. Either dial 211 or visit: 211md.org.
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault: The Coalition offers local support services to survivors of rape or sexual assault.
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence: The Network offers individuals experiencing domestic violence or survivors of trafficking local support services.

Legal Assistance

Maryland Legal Aid: Maryland Legal Aid provides support for individuals who may have experienced housing discrimination, are concerned about unlawful eviction, or need assistance with other housing and shelter-related legal issues.
Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division: Offers support with issues related to landlords, evictions, leases, and condo associations. 410-576-6300.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition Renters in Foreclosure Toolkit: Information on the federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act to help renters in foreclosed buildings know their rights. To receive advice as a tenant, contact one of the tenant assistance agencies listed below.

Public Justice Center, Statewide, 410-625-9409
Allegany Law, Allegany County, 301-722-3390
Montgomery Bar Association, Montgomery County, 301-424-3454
Community Legal Services, Prince George’s County, 240-391-6370