Rent Assistance Eligibility Expanded In Loudoun County

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County's Limited Rent Assistance Program is expanding, according to a news release from the county on Wednesday. More residents will qualify for the program, as it allows for a greater range of income eligibility.

The state of Virginia recently changed the eligibility requirements for their Rent Relief Program, opening the program to more residents. The state's changes in eligibility will also be reflected in the county's Limited Rent Assistance Program, so more Loudoun County residents will qualify for the rent assistance programs.

The state and county programs intend to assist people who have been financially hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiatives provide financial assistance for residents who have past due rent payments from April 1, 2020, to the present.

Renters can receive additional money from the program based on their continued eligibility. The state's program provides up to 12 months of payments, and the county's program offers nine months of payments.

The state's Rent Relief Program assists those at lower income levels, while the county's program benefits renters at higher income levels who may not qualify for state assistance. Detailed information about the income thresholds for the program is available on the county's Limited Rent Assistance website. There, residents can also find more information about which program is right for them.

The programs provide direct payments to landlords or property managers on behalf of residents. However, to qualify, residents must have been up to date on their rent payments on March 31, 2020. The programs will continue as long as money is available and Virginia's emergency declaration is active.

To apply for the rent assistance programs, residents must prove that they have experienced financial difficulty as a result of the pandemic. The programs define financial difficulty as a job loss, reduced income, or other hardship, according to the county's website.

Anyone with questions about Loudoun County's Limited Rent Assistance program can call 703-777-0420.