Frequently asked questions
Program Overview
Who is eligible for RAMPCLT?
Income qualified residents impacted by COVID-19 due to job loss, wage reduction, illness and/or childcare challenges beginning in April 2020 are eligible to receive mortgage, rent and utility assistance.
For hotel assistance the eligibility is as follows:
1. Guests that have lived in the hotel for 30 days or longer
2. Income qualified (a counselor will help determine this)
3. Hotel bill cannot exceed $5,000
How fast can the application get processed?
We have found that when applicants have all of their supporting documentation submitted the process from start to finish can be achieved within 72 hours after your first contact with a counselor. Without proper documentation the tenant runs the risk of being denied.
Besides mortgage and rent assistance, what else does the program offer?
The program will also fund utility (gas/electric) expenses, including deposit assistance for people currently living in hotels.
What do I need to do to apply?
Each program requires specific documentation. RAMPCLT.com provides programs for renters, homeowners, long-term hotel guests, landlords and hotel managers. Select the program of interest to view the necessary documentation. A RAMP CLT representative can also work with you one-on-one to determine eligibility and assist with applying to the program.
How do landlords factor into the program?
Rental payments are made directly to landlords, property managers who enroll their properties in the program. Landlords must agree to waive late fees and agree to no longer proceed with an eviction filing for the approved applicant. Assistance can be retroactive to April. Should a tenant have arrears (outstanding payments) prior to April, The Housing Partnership will make a referral to Crisis Assistance Ministry to provide additional assistance including eviction mediation. Once approved, landlords can inform their tenants of the program and provide information directing them to an application (via phone or online).
What if my property isn't listed as an approved property?
You can still apply but, if approved your application will be considered "pending" until your property manager completes the property manager application as referenced above.
Where can I find eviction resources?
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations offers the Dispute Settlement Program, a free mediation service with a trained, neutral third party (mediators) who will work with disputants to reach an agreement. It’s an opportunity to express concerns, interests, needs and wants in a confidential setting, and it provides an avenue for paying restitution for damages, losses or rent. Landlords and tenants interested in resolving issues outside the courtroom can call the Landlord-Tenant Line at (704) 336-5330 or visit charlottenc.gov/communityrelations for more information.
Additionally, Crisis Assistance Ministries and the NC Justice Center offer information and FAQs about tenant rights and evictions during COVID-19.
Payment Processing
How is payment for mortgage, rent and/or utilities, including deposits, distributed?
The Housing Partnership is administering mortgage payments and Socialserve is administering rent, hotel, and utility (gas, electric) payments.
How is payment for security and utility deposits distributed?
Socialserve is administering payments to landlords (security deposit) and utility companies (electric/gas) directly.
How can households in need of assistance receive help if they have not been impacted by COVID-19?
The Housing Partnership is coordinating a referral program with Crisis Assistance Ministry to ensure residents with non-COVID related hardships are connected to emergency financial assistance. Some funds received by Mecklenburg County may be used to help households above 80% AMI with County approval.
Deposit Assistance for Hotel Guests
What is the Deposit Assistance Program?
Recognizing that there are many hotel guests are unable to save money for upfront housing costs due to high weekly hotel rates, the City of Charlotte is working with local nonprofit Socialserve to provide security and utility deposits to these households.
Who is eligible for the Deposit Assistance Program?
Guests at hotels within the City of Charlotte that earn 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) and below, and have been residing in a hotel for 30 days or longer at the time of application, are eligible to receive up to $1,500 in security deposit assistance and up to $250 in utility deposit assistance.
