Rent: Frequently asked questions

Rent, Hotel and Utilities Program Overview

Who is eligible for RAMPCLT? 

An "eligible household" is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the following criteria: 

    i. Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19.

    ii. Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and

    iii. Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI)

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)

If a renter submitted an application in 2020 or January 2021 do they have to complete another application?

Yes. The application that opened February 9, 2021 is from the second round of stimulus funding and has different requirements than previous funding.

Does the renter have to be in arrears to be considered eligible for the program?

No. The renter can be current with their payments and request assistance going forward for up to 3 months if they are experiencing a hardship due to COVID-19 and they meet the income criteria. 

How far back can arrears be paid?

March 13, 2020

Are some applications considered priority over others?

Yes.

The U.S. Treasury and City of Charlotte have provided priority guidelines:

Priority #1: Renters at 50% AMI or below AND unemployed for 90+ days; 1st come, 1st serve

Priority #2: Renters at 50% AMI or below OR unemployed for 90+ days; 1st come, 1st serve

Priority #3: Everyone else eligible; 1st come, 1st serve

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 7-14 business day. Without proper documentation the tenant runs the risk of being denied. 

Besides  rent assistance, what else does the program offer? 

The program will also fund utility (water/gas/electric) expenses, including 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.

What should I do if I cannot complete the application online?

Call 980-406-7509 for over the phone assistance with your application. 

How do landlords factor into the program? 

Landlords, with consent from their tenant, can apply on behalf of their tenant. All requirements still apply and landlords must apply for each tenant individually.

Rental payments are made directly to landlords, property managers once the application has been approved. Landlords must agree to waive late fees and agree to no longer proceed with an eviction filing for nonpayment for the approved applicant during the period of the award. Assistance can be retroactive to March 13, 2020. Should a tenant have arrears (outstanding payments) prior to March 13, 2020, The Housing Partnership will make a referral to Crisis Assistance Ministry to provide additional assistance including eviction mediation. 

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 much assistance can a renter receive?

Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, plus an additional 3 months if the grantee determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and grantee funds are available.

Where will the approved payment come from?

DreamKey Partners (formerly Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing Partnership) contracted with Social Serve to provide the payments in the form of an ACH (direct deposit) or check.

How is payment for security and utility deposits distributed? 

Social Serve 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?

 DreamKey Partners (formerly Charlotte-Mecklenburg 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.   

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 Social Serve 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.