Where Maryland Rental information Comes From

Maryland has two main sources of rental money: the Maryland Rental information Program (MRAP), which is state-run, and local programs operated by individual counties and cities. MRAP is the larger fund and covers the whole state, but it closes when money runs out. County programs vary — some have their own funds, others refer you back to MRAP, and a few have closed permanently. The fastest way to find out what is actually open right now is to call your county's housing authority or dial 211 and ask for rental information in your area.

Most Maryland programs pay landlords directly, not tenants. This means you will need a signed lease and your landlord's contact information before you start. Programs typically cover rent you already owe (arrears) rather than rent coming due, so waiting until you are behind is usually necessary to meet the rules. If you are facing eviction, that actually strengthens your case — courts and programs treat active cases as higher priority.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland Rental information Program (MRAP) is state-funded and open to renters statewide, but closes when funds run out and reopens later in the year.
  • Your county may have its own program with different rules and timelines, so calling 211 or your local housing authority tells you which funds are currently accepting new requests.
  • Programs pay landlords directly, so you need a signed lease, proof of income loss or hardship, and your landlord's banking details before you submit anything.
  • Approval typically takes four to eight weeks, and you should tell your landlord you have submitted a request so they know money is coming.

How Maryland Rental information Program (MRAP) Works

MRAP is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and covers up to 12 months of back rent and utilities. You can request money through the online portal at mrap.maryland.gov or by phone at 1-833-MRAP-410 (1-833-672-7410). The program does not have an income limit, but you must show that your hardship is tied to COVID-19, job loss, reduced hours, or illness. You also need to prove you are behind on rent — MRAP does not pay future rent.

The process itself asks for your lease, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of hardship (termination letter, medical bills, or a written explanation), and your landlord's information. If you do not have all of these, you can still submit and explain what you are missing. DHCD will contact you to ask for the rest. Processing takes about four to six weeks once your file is complete.

MRAP has reopened multiple times as funds were depleted and new money arrived. If you call and hear the fund is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen — staff can usually tell you. You can also check the status on the website or call 211 to confirm before you spend time gathering documents.

County and Local Programs in Maryland

Some Maryland counties run their own rental information programs alongside MRAP. Baltimore City, Prince George's County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County have had their own funds in recent years, though availability changes. These programs sometimes have shorter processing times or slightly different rules than MRAP, so it is worth checking what your county offers.

To find your county program, call your local housing authority directly or dial 211 and say your county name. The person on the phone can tell you whether a county fund is open, what documents you need, and whether you should explore there or through MRAP. Some counties ask you to explore locally first; others let you choose. A few counties have closed their programs and now refer everyone to MRAP.

Documents You Will Need

Gather these before you start an process, whether you are going through MRAP or a county program:

  • A signed lease showing your name, the landlord's name, and the rental amount
  • Proof of income loss or hardship — a termination letter, pay stub showing reduced hours, medical bills, or a written statement explaining what happened
  • Proof that you are behind on rent — a notice from your landlord, an eviction filing, or a written statement from your landlord confirming the amount owed
  • Your landlord's full name, mailing address, phone number, and bank account details (account number and routing number) if they want direct deposit
  • Proof of residency in Maryland — a utility bill, lease, or ID with your current address
  • Photo ID — a driver's license or state ID

If you are missing any of these, do not wait. Submit what you have and explain in writing what you are still gathering. Programs will work with incomplete applications and follow up with you by phone or email.

What Happens After You Submit

Once you submit through MRAP or your county program, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down. The program will contact you within one to two weeks to confirm they received everything and to ask follow-up questions if needed. This is when they may ask for documents you could not find the first time.

While you are waiting, tell your landlord in writing that you have submitted a rental information request. Include the program name and your confirmation number. Ask them to hold off on filing for eviction or pursuing collection while the process is being reviewed. Many landlords will pause action once they know money is coming, especially if the amount owed is substantial.

Approval takes four to eight weeks depending on how quickly you respond to requests for more information. Once approved, the program pays your landlord directly. You will receive a letter confirming the amount approved and the date the landlord should expect payment. If the program approves less than you owe, ask whether you can reapply for the remaining balance — some programs allow a second request.

If Your process Is Denied

Programs deny applications for a few common reasons: the hardship is not tied to COVID-19 or job loss, you are not actually behind on rent, or your income is above the limit (though MRAP has no limit). If you receive a denial letter, read it carefully to see which reason they cite.

If the reason is that you do not meet the hardship definition, you can appeal by submitting a written statement explaining your situation in more detail. If the reason is income, you may be able to reapply if your income has changed. If the reason is that you are not behind on rent, you cannot fix that — you would need to fall behind first.

If you are denied by MRAP, ask whether your county has a separate program with different rules. If you are denied by your county, you can still explore to MRAP if you have not already. Call 211 to discuss your specific situation and learn whether other programs in your area might help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I have an eviction case already filed against me?

Yes. In fact, an active eviction case usually moves your process up in the queue. When you submit, mention the court date in your process or call the program to tell them. Some programs can contact the court to ask for a continuance (delay) while your process is being reviewed.

What if my landlord will not give me their bank account information?

Ask your landlord in writing for their banking details, explaining that you have submitted a rental information request and the program needs this information to pay them. If they refuse, some programs will pay you directly instead, though you then have to give the money to your landlord yourself. Ask the program what they can do before you approach your landlord.

Does Maryland rental information count as income for other benefits?

No. Rental information payments are not counted as income for purposes of SNAP, Medicaid, housing vouchers, or other means-tested programs. You can receive rental information without affecting your other benefits.

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

MRAP does not have a citizenship requirement. You can explore if you are a documented immigrant, undocumented, or a refugee. You will need a lease and proof of hardship, but not a Social Security number or immigration status. Some county programs have different rules, so ask when you call 211.

What if the program approves less money than I owe?

Ask the program whether you can submit a second request for the remaining balance. Some programs allow this; others have a one-time limit. If a second request is not possible, you may still owe your landlord the difference, but at least part of the debt is covered.