Rent: Frequently asked questions

Rent, Hotel and Utilities Program Overview

NEW! Who is eligible for RAMPCLT? 

Effective Sept. 1, 2022, Applications for rental and utility assistance will be accepted only for individuals that have an official eviction and assigned court date within 90 days, have a COVID-19 related hardship, earning 60% AMI or below and living in Mecklenburg County including the City of Charlotte. 

NEW! What happens after I submit my application and upload my eviction notice information?

Once reached in queue a team member of RAMP will be in touch with the next steps including what to bring to the courthouse. A team member of Legal Aid will also reach out if you have requested assistance. Please note in order to have your application processed you MUST provide your official court summons document.  

NEW! Is there a maximum dollar amount for a RAMP award an eligible household may receive?

Applications submitted on or after September 1st, 2022 will have a maximum RAMP award of $6,000 per household for the program. 

NEW! What happens if I need help paying my rent and/or utilities and don’t fit the criteria for the current application process?

Please review additional resources for assistance.  

If you already submitted an application do you need to submit another?

If you have an open active application you do not need to reapply. 

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, have a current rental lease, and they meet the income criteria. 

How far back can arrears be paid?

March 13, 2020

Are some applications considered priority over others?

Yes. Priority levels changed beginning September 2022.

Priority #1: Applicants at 60% AMI and below with a COVID related hardship that have been served an eviction and have a court date within 90 days.

NEW! If I submitted an application on or after September 1st, 2022, and have already received $6,000 in awards. Am I eligible for more assistance? 

No starting September 1st, 2022 eligible households may only receive $6,000 max total for the program. 

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.

How fast can the application get processed? 

We have found that when applicants have all of their supporting documentation submitted the process moves more quickly.  Payment timelines will depend on your eviction timeline and court expectations. We will work with you, your landlord and the Mecklenburg County courts to make a payment timeline determination.

Besides rent assistance, what else does the program offer? 

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

What do I need to do to apply? 

Each program requires specific documentation. RAMPCLT.com provides Rental and Utility Assistance. 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? 

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. 

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?

Tenants that do not have a COVID related hardship are encouraged to contact Crisis Assistance Ministries for assistance.   Website: https://www.crisisassistance.org/