Step 3 of The Guide introduced you to Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and HUD-certified housing counselors. HUD-certified housing counselors are trained to educate and equip individuals and families with information and resources to make informed housing decisions.
One of the greatest benefits of housing counseling is being empowered with the knowledge needed to live life your way. The housing information and resources gained from HUD-certified housing counselors enable you to decide what is best for you.
CBOs provide free, one-on-one, and group housing counseling for prospective tenants, homebuyers, homeowners, and people experiencing homelessness. Housing counseling sessions and workshops are held virtually and in-person. The table below highlights several housing counseling services that can assist you with reaching your goal to live independently.
| Free HUD-Certified, Housing Counseling Services |
Major Benefit |
How Housing Counseling Helps You Live Independently |
Recommended for Renters? | Recommended for First-Time Homebuyers? | Recommended for Homeowners? |
| Budget Counseling | Gain Money Management Skills |
- Opportunity to discuss housing goals with a HUD-certified housing counselor and receive free, on-going housing counseling and support.
- A housing counselor creates a household budget based on monthly sources of income, debts, and savings.
- Housing counselor provides strategies to reduce debts and increase savings.
- Housing counselor develops a person-centered Housing Action Plan that assesses their client's current financial situation; costs associated with reaching their goal; how much to save, and available resources that may help increase their savings, such as higher interest-bearing accounts or match-saving programs (when funds are available). |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit Counseling | Improve Credit and Scores |
- Free, one-on-one, and group counseling sessions with a housing counselor trained to provide credit counseling for maximum results.
- Housing counselor reviews credit reports (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) and provides strategies to improve credit and scores.
- On-going sessions with a housing counselor to discuss progress, obstacles and receive additional guidance.
- Learn about free resources that help with managing credit. |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rental Counseling | Receive Assistance with Searching for Affordable and Accessible Rental Units |
- Several Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) also build affordable housing or know about upcoming housing projects and subsidy programs for renters.
- Receive counseling on the tenancy (rental) process.
- Learn about tenant’s and landlord's rights and responsibilities.
- Receive budget and credit counseling.
- Assistance with searching for accessible and affordable housing.
- Learn about subsidized housing programs.
- Assistance with applying for available housing subsidies for renters.
- Learn about fair housing and anti-discrimination laws to protect persons with disabilities.
- Tenants receive guidance on how to advocate for their best with the landlord.
- Tenants receive free legal resources to help file complaints regarding questionable housing practices and conditions.
- Help prepare you for homeownership.
- Learn about the Inclusionary Lottery (IZ) Program, register in the IZ Lottery, and apply for other rental programs (when available) sponsored by the D.C. government. |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| First-Time Homebuyer’s Counseling (aka Pre- Purchase Housing Counseling) |
Understand the Homebuying Process and financial assistance for First-Time Homebuyers |
- Receive homebuyer’s education.
- A housing counselor determines if the client is ready, willing, and able to buy a home.
- Housing counselor develops strategies to help clients become mortgage ready.
- Learn about the homebuying process and predatory housing practices.
- Learn about and apply for the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) and other programs for low-to-moderate income, first-time homebuyers.
- Updated on upcoming and planned affordable housing projects. |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eviction Prevention Counseling | Avoid losing your rental unit |
- Housing counselor reviews rental leases and eviction notices (Notice to Quit) to assess options to prevent evictions and negotiate with the landlord.
- Counsel on D.C.’s eviction process and tenant’s rights.
- Receive help with applying for available emergency rental assistance programs and other community resources.
- Referrals for pro-bono legal services.
- Receive on-going housing counseling for strategies to maintain stable housing. |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Foreclosure Prevention Counseling | Avoid losing your house, condo, or coop. |
- The housing counselor assesses the homeowner's mortgage, HOA, or delinquent property taxes and reviews communications from the loan servicer, HOA, and Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR).
- Housing counselor explains the foreclosure process for D.C., identify alternative loan options, and, if available, informs and assists homeowners with applying for financial assistance programs. |
No | Yes | Yes |