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Resources Highlighted in The Guide

The programs listed below have eligibility requirements that you must meet to participate.  If you would like additional information on a program, please click on the link.

The Guide’s 10 Steps ________________________            Links in The Guide Renters
(marked x, if appliable)
Homebuyers
(marked x, if appliable)
Homeowners
(marked x, if appliable)
Step 1:  Plan
A) D.C. Department on Disability Services (DDS) About DDS X X X
B) D.C. Department on Disability Services’ (DDS) Housing Workshops Registration Form https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-dds-housing-resource-guide-tickets-622041421637 X X X
C) Sample Housing Action Plan (HAP)

https://dds.dc.gov/publication/housing-action-plan

X X X
D) Sample Housing Action Plan (HAP) Worksheet/ Companion Sheet https://dds.dc.gov/publication/housing-action-plan-worksheet-companion-sheet X X X
Step 2: Determine
A) Housing Wants vs Needs Form https://dds.dc.gov/publication/housing-wants-vs-need-form X X X
B) Sample Income Tracker Form https://dds.dc.gov/publication/housing-income-tracker-form X X X
C) Free, housing counseling services VideoHow HUD-Certified Housing Counselors Can Help You X X X
D) Ticket to Work Program

Video - Ticket to Work

Fact Sheets and Resources - Ticket to Work - Social Security (ssa.gov)

X X X
Step 3: Ask
A) Information on the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), aka Sec. 8 Video - Overview on HCVP aka Sec 8 X X X
B) Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), aka Sec. 8, for persons with disabilities

Mainstream Vouchers – The Basics

X    
Non- Elderly Disabled (NED) Vouchers 
(Category 1)
X    
Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Vouchers 
(Category 2)
X    
Certain Development Vouchers X    
C) Housing Programs for the homeless and persons at risk of being homeless Targeted Affordable Housing for Individuals and Families | dhs (dc.gov) X    
Rapid Rehousing for Individuals X    
Housing Resources for Families X    
Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (Family Central Intake) X    
D) A list of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in D.C. that provide free, housing counseling services via HUD-certified housing counselors CBOs X X X
Step 4: Prepare
A) Sample Household Budget Form https://dds.dc.gov/publication/household-budget-form X X X
B) The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) requires the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to provide consumers with one free report a year via AnnualCreditReport.com

Annualcreditreport.com

Video - How do I get a Copy of My Credit Report

X X X
C) How to dispute errors on your credit report

Equifax:  File a Dispute on Your Equifax Credit Report | Equifax®

Experian: Dispute Credit Report Information at Experian.com

TransUnion: TransUnion Online Service Center | Online Freeze, Dispute, Fraud Alert, Credit Report, and Score

X X X
D) What is a FICO Score MyFico.Com X X X
E) Sample Housing Documentation Checklist https://dds.dc.gov/publication/housing-documentation-checklist X X X
Step 5: Use
A) How to find a real estate agent Find a REALTOR (gcaar.com) X X X
NAREB - National Association of Real Estate Brokers X X X
B) Websites that list affordable and accessible housing HUD Resource Locator X X  
D.C.HousingSearch.org | Accessible Rental Housing Search: Washington, D.C. (myhousingsearch.com) X X  
LIHTC Database Access (huduser.gov) X    
DHCD - DFD Pipeline - Public Dashboard - Beta Mode (quickbase.com) X X  
Step 6: Rent
A) Programs that help with delinquent rent, security deposit, moving expenses and utilities Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) X    

Receive Assistance With Your Utility Bills (LIHEAP) | doee (dc.gov)

Application for LIHEAP

X

X

 

X

X

Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) Shallow Rent Subsidy Program Intake Information

 

X    
Consumer Assistance | Office of the People's Counsel (opc-DC.gov) X X X
B) Federal laws that protect persons with disabilities against housing discrimination Disability Overview | HUD.gov / US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) X X X
C) D.C. Office on Human Rights (OHR) Services | ohr (dc.gov) X X X
D) D.C. laws and resources to reference when searching for housing in D.C. Source of Income 
OHR Updated SOI Housing Discrimination Guidance _0.pdf (dc.gov)
X X X
Fair Criminal Record Screening Housing Act of 2017
FCRSAHousing_GENERALPreview_092517.pdf (dc.gov)
X X X
Late Fee Fairness Amendment Act of 2016
Late Fee FAQ.pdf (dc.gov)
X    

Rent Control
Rent Control Fact Sheet 2018.pdf (dc.gov)

Microsoft Word - 2023-03-01 Form 6 Instructions (tenant exemption) (Final) (dc .gov)

RAD Form 6 Tenant's Registration of Age or Disability Rent Exemption_0.pdf (dc.gov)

X    

Eviction Record Sealing Authority and Fairness in Renting Amendment Act of 2022

D.C. Law 24-115.  Eviction Record Sealing Authority and Fairness in Renting Amendment Act of 2022. | D.C. Law Library (D.C.council.gov)

Tenant Screening Intake Questionnaire | ohr (dc.gov)

X X X
Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Tenants' Rights 
2013.04.26 Elderly Tenant Rights Brochure.OTA_.pdf (dc.gov)
X    
Tenant’s Bill of Rights  
2015 07 03 OTA D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights ODAI-OTA FINAL.pdf
X    
What tenants should know about the Residential Lease Amendment Act of 2016 Residential Lease Law FAQ-FINAL.pdf (dc.gov) X    
Tenant’s Rights in a Foreclosed Property
tenant foreclosure rights_draft3 (dc.gov)
     
Tenant’s Guide to Eviction
 Guide to Eviction | ota.dc.gov)
X    
E) D.C. Office of Disability Rights (ODS) VideoHow to Request Assistance from DC Office of Disability Rights X X X
F) D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA)


OTA provides technical advice and other legal services to tenants regarding disputes with landlords;  educates and informs the tenant community about tenant rights and rental housing matters; advocates for the rights and interests of District renters in the legislative, regulatory, and judicial contexts; and provides temporary emergency housing for tenants displaced by fires, floods, or government closures.

Video DC Office of the Tenant Advocate - How OTA Serves the District's Tenant Community - YouTube

X    
G) The Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (MOCRS)

This branch of the mayor’s office  ensures that D.C. residents receive quick responses to their requests, complaints, and questions regarding city services and agencies.

Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services General Directory | mocrs (dc.gov)

X X X
H) Information on the American Disability Act (ADA) Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act | ADA.gov X X X
I) Signing of the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988 Video:  President Reagan’s Remarks on the Signing of the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988 in the Rose Garden X X X
J) FAQ about Reasonable Accommodation and Reasonable Modification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) X X X
K) Information on Section 504 and the percentage of units that must be accessible Physical Accessibility | HUD.gov / HUD X X X
L) Fair Housing Act’s design and construction accessibility requirements, effective March 8, 2021 Accessibility First Requirements | HUD.gov / HUD X X X
M) D.C. Department of Buildings (DOB) D.C. Housing Code Standards | dob X X X
N) Sample Tenant’s Walk-thru and Move-out Checklist https://dds.dc.gov/publication/housing-move-move-out-checklist X    
O) What you should know about renters’ insurance What You Need to Know About Renters Insurance | disb (dc.gov) X    
P) Better Business Bureau’s (BBB)  alert about moving scams Moving Scam Alert X X X
Step 7: Buy
A) First-time homebuyers’ Q&A Common Questions from First Time Homebuyers | HUD.gov / US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)   X  
B) What is needed to get the best mortgage Your home loan toolkit: A step-by-step guide (consumerfinance.gov)   X X
C) FHA Mortgage Video: The Benefits of an FHA Mortgage   X X
D) D.C.’s first-time homebuyer’s programs HPAP
Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) – Eligibility, How to Apply and Program Details | dhcd (dc.gov)
  X  
E) First-time homebuyer’s program for D.C. government employees EAHP
Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP)
  X  
F) Homebuyer’s assistance program for DC government employees whose position is covered by collective bargaining
NEAHP
Negotiated Employee Affordable Home Purchase Program (NEAHP) | dhcd (dc.gov)
  X  
G) Deferred loans for down-payment and closing costs, and below-market rate mortgage loans DC Open Doors – DCHFA   X  
H) Mortgage loans at reduced interest rates DC 4ME – DCHFA   X  
I) Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) Lottery Program for rental and homes for sale Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) Affordable Housing Program | dhcd (dc.gov) X` X  

J) Additional homeownership opportunities

Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)


Homeownership Opportunities | dhcd (dc.gov)
  X  

K) Website that lists D.C.’s homeownership assistance programs

Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)

Front Door for Your Home | Government of the District of Columbia (dc.gov)   X X

L) Assistance with property taxes for D.C. homeowners

D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR)


Homestead/Senior Citizen Deduction | otr (dc.gov)
    X
Other Credits and Deductions | otr (dc.gov)   X X
The District’s Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction Helps Veterans by Reducing the Tax Assessment of Their Home by $445,000 | MyTax.dc.gov (wordpress.com)     X
M) Why get a home inspection For Your Protection: Get a Home Inspection (hudexchange.info)   X  
N) What to ask your home inspector Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector (hudexchange.info)   X  
Step 8:  Move-In
A) Resources to use when planning your move Change of address forms
U.S. Postal Service (USPS) | USAGov
X X  
To inquire about D.C. government services and agencies
D.C. 311 - Home
X X X

Free Smoke Alarms and Home Fire Inspection
Free Smoke Alarms | fems (D.C..gov)

Home Fire Safety Inspection | fems (dc.gov)

X   X
Parking placards and tags for persons with disabilities
Apply for Disability Parking Placards and Permits | dmv (dc.gov)
X   X
Rebate program for residents to purchase and install security camera systems on their property and register the cameras with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The Private Security Camera Rebate Program | ovsjg (dc.gov)
X   X
Free security camera systems to eligible D.C. residents (owners or tenants) who receive public assistance.  
Private Security Camera Voucher Program | ovsjg (dc.gov)
X   X

Discounts on phone services, laptops, desktop computers and tables. 
Affordable Connectivity Program - National Verifier (getinternet.gov)

Do I Qualify? - ACP - Universal Service Administrative Company (affordableconnectivity.gov)

X X X
Contact information to have the water services turned on in your name.
Start or Stop Service | DC.Water.com
X X X
Contact information to have the electric services turned on in your name.
Customer Services | PEPCO - An Exelon Company
X X X
Contact information to have the natural gas services turned on in your name.
Start and Stop Service - Washington Gas
X   X
Emergency rental assistance, security deposits and first month’s rent.
Home Page DC DHS Rental Assistance Portal
X    

Learn how to stay up-to-date and participate in decisions that impact your neighborhood and, to meet your new neighbors.

Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANC)

X   X
This branch of the mayor's office ensures that D.C. residents receive quick responses to their requests, complaints, and questions regarding city services and agencies.
Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services General Directory | mocrs (dc.gov)
X X X
Voter registration application for new D.C. residents.
District of Columbia Board of Elections - Register/Update Voter Registration (D.C.boe.org)
X X X
Step 9:  Up-Keep
A) Housing assistance programs that help homeowners with repairs and accessibility modifications Safe at Home Program -  D.C. residents aged 60 years and older and persons with disabilities can receive free, in-home preventative adaptations.
Safe at Home | dacl (D.C.gov)
X   X
Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFRRP) - D.C. homeowners can receive a grant of up to $20,000 for roof repair or replacement.
Home Rehabilitation CBOs | dhcd (dc.gov)
    X
Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFRRP) -
D.C. homeowners can receive a grant of up to $30,000 for accessibility modifications for persons with mobility or other physical impairments.
Home Rehabilitation CBOs | dhcd (Ddcgov)
    X

Yachard, Inc - provides low-income homeowners with accessibility modifications, health, and safety repairs. 
 work with homeowners who do not have the resources to pay for the costly renovations.  They  work with homeowners who do not have the resources to pay for the costly renovations.

Homeowner Services - Yachad Inc (yachad-dc.org)

    X
Step 10: Keep It
A) Office of the Tenant Advocate

Video: Eviction Process – Tenant’s Defense, Part 1

Video: Eviction Process – What to Expect in Court, Part 2

X

X

   
B) D.C Bar’s Pro Bono, Legal Assistance
Renters 
Ways to Keep Your Home (legalaiddc.org)
X    
C) LawHelp.org/D.C. Homeowners
Foreclosures | Welcome to LawHelp.org/D.C. | A guide to free and low-cost legal aid and services in Washington, D.C.
    X

D) Legal Service for the Elderly

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

Legal assistance for eviction defense, rent control disputes, avoidance of losing housing subsidies, reasonable accommodations, and tenants' opportunities to purchase their homes.

 Tenant Advocacy and Support For Seniors In D.C. (aarp.org)

X    

E) D.C. Foreclosure Prevention Hotline

D.C. Department of Insurance Security and Banking (DISB)

Foreclosure Prevention | disb (dc.gov)     X

F) Homesaver Program

D.C. Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA)

A foreclosure prevention program that assists unemployed and underemployed homeowners who may have fallen behind on their mortgage payments or property taxes.

 HomeSaver – DCHFA

    X
G) Homeowners’ Assistance Fund (HAF)

Grants for D.C. homeowners affected by COVID-19 to help keep their home.

| haf (dc.gov)

    X

H) Reverse Mortgage Insurance & Tax Payment Program (ReMIT)

D.C. Housing Finance Agency (DHFA)

This program provides eligible homeowners with financial assistance for delinquent property taxes, homeowner's insurance, condominium fees/homeowners association fees, and certain property-related expenses that put the homeowner at risk of foreclosure.  

ReMIT – DCHFA

    X

I) Property Tax Relief Programs

D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR)

OTR offers several property tax relief programs for low-income homeowners, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and veterans. 

Other Credits and Deductions | otr (dc.gov)

  X X

J) HUD-Certified Housing Counselors

DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)


D.C. homeowners can receive free foreclosure and eviction prevention counseling from a US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-certified housing counselor.  

Free Housing Counseling

X X X
K) DC Office of Insurance Security
and Banking (DISB)
Video - Beware of Social Security and Medicare Scams X X X
L) Scams What are some common types of scams? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov) X X X
Beware of Social Security and Medicare Scams | disb (dc.gov) X X X
Beware of Medicaid Renewal Scams | disb (D.C.gov) X X X
Beware of IRS Tax Scams | disb (dc.gov) X X X
Grandparent Scam | disb (dc.gov) X X X
DISB Consumer Alerts | disb (dc.gov) X X X
M) How to sign-up to receive Scam Alerts
Sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts.
X X X
N) How to report scams and bad business practices ReportFraud.ftc.gov X X X
Contact the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB): X X X

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