How to Get Rental Assistance In Miami

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How to Get Rental Assistance In Miami

Although the Miami/Dade economy is strong, many residents still find themselves short on rent money come the first of the month. There is help for people who have lost their income due to Covid, but not everyone qualifies for that money. Fortunately, all levels of government and the private sector have stepped in to offer rental assistance for Miami/Dade residents who occasionally need help. DoNotPay can not only help you apply for , but we can also search for other resources that help people in need.

How to Get Rental Assistance in Miami

The trick to getting is twofold. First. you've got to know what type of housing you have, and second, which program you qualify for. If you aren't eligible for government assistance, several private organizations are there to help out.

Name/DescriptionAddressPhoneEmail
Federal Assistance

The federal government provides help for low-income families through a voucher program that subsidizes the rent. Participants in the program find their housing, and the voucher covers all or a portion of the monthly rent, depending on your circumstances. Housing vouchers provide help on an ongoing basis, unlike state and local programs that offer temporary assistance.

701 NW 1st Court

Miami, FL, 33136

(786) 469-4106 link
Florida Assistance

The state also has rental assistance for families through the Florida Department of Children and Families. The federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is the funding source for this help.

Eligible residents can qualify for up to 15 months of housing costs, including utilities—this can go back 12 months with three months of future payments.

Eligible Florida renters can qualify for up to 15 months of rent and utility payments. This includes 12 months of past due rent and utilities and three months of forward-looking rent payments. Residents of subsidized housing can qualify for this assistance, as long as they are not getting other federal help, like housing vouchers.

The maximum amount of monthly payments for rent and utilities is $2,000 monthly, with a maximum payout of $15,000. Here's how to get in touch with the Florida ERAP.

The offices are open during normal business hours, 8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday. They are closed for federal and state holidays.

9766 SW 24th St, suite 35

Miami, FL, 33165

(833) 493-0594N/A

Local Assistance

In Miami/Dade and Hialeah, additional help is available through the ERAP. This assistance is also available for utility as well as rent relief. The primary qualifier for local help is income—your household income can't exceed 80% of the median family income limit for Miami/Dade county. As an example, the amount for a household of five is $78,100.

Unlike the state assistance programs, the city of Miami will assist households who are already getting federal housing subsidies. You can apply online at ERAP@miamidade.gov.

These are the physical locations where you can apply for help if you can't do it online.

1. Northern Miami-Dade County

Victory Homes

520 NW 75 Street

Miami, FL 33150

2. Southern Miami-Dade County

Homestead Gardens

1542 SW 4 Street

Homestead, FL 33030

Senior Assistance

The city also offers some rental relief to eligible seniors aged 62 who spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs. The criteria for this program is that they also live in qualified subsidized housing within the Miami city limits.

Non-Profit Organizations

In Miami, the Emergency Food and Shelter Assistance (EFSA) program serves people who are generally okay but are facing an emergency or crisis. EFSA is a consortium of several Miami non-profits who have banded together to provide emergency rental, utility, and other assistance through private channels.

Local nonprofits run another housing help program, Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). HAP partners with the local Public Housing Agency and offers help for Section 8 housing, as well as direct money to bring back rent up to date. That phone number is (305) 416-2080.

Here are the local nonprofits who participate in EFSA, and the contact phone numbers.

  • Accion Community Service Center (305) 547-4892
  • Liberty City Community Service Center (305) 756-2830)
  • Opa Locka (305) 623-6500

Where you can apply in person:

  • 1600 NW 3rd Ave
  • Miami, FL, 33136
  • (305) 438-4161

Edison Center Downtown

  • 150 NW 79th St
  • Miami, FL, 33150
  • (305) 758-9662

DoNotPay Has You Covered With Finding Rental Assistance

One of the problems people have when they go online to research rental assistance is that most of the information on government websites is geared towards Covid-related hardship. DoNotPay can help you with finding the right rental assistance by applying on your behalf. Our system takes the information you enter, then determines the best assistance option that meets your needs and applies to you. From there, the housing authority will contact you when they have approved your request. DoNotPay can even set up direct deposit payments into your bank account or to your landlord.

How to Apply for Housing Assistance in Miami With DoNotPay

We can compose a letter to your local housing authority based on your situation and inquire about your best options for receiving assistance. Here are the 4 steps:

  1. Search for Rental Assistance on DoNotPay.

  2. Put together a list of your income, debts, expenses, and assets. If you need help accessing information like your credit report, DoNotPay can help you get your report.

  3. Let DoNotPay collect your basic information and compose a letter to your local housing authority requesting rental assistance.

  4. Lastly, DoNotPay will send your letter to your local housing authority.

Other Ways DoNotPay Can Help You Out

Life is hard to navigate sometimes, and it can seem like you can't catch a break. DoNotPay offers help to individuals who don't have lots of expertise, deep pockets, or even the time to work around red tape. Here are some other problems we can help you solve.

  1. Burner phones
  2. Crime victim compensation
  3. Notice of intent to homeschool

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