Housing Authority

Rental Allowance Program (RAP)

The Rental Allowance Program (RAP) is open when funding is available but applications are accepted on a continuing basis. Call 301-934-0112 to check program status. Applicants applying for the Housing Choice Voucher Program are automatically placed on the RAP waiting list.

Click here to access the RAP Guidelines.

The Rental Allowance Program (RAP) is designed to assist those most in need who have the ability to become/remain self sufficient.

Applicant Eligibility
Local administration determines the eligibility and priority of recipients for RAP. Eligible applicants must meet at least the following criteria to be eligible for the program.

Eligible applicants must show proof of homelessness or risk of homelessness and be able to return to long-term housing sufficiency following a short term period of RAP subsidy payments. 

Applicants must be Charles County residents. 

Click here to see the current household maximum income limits.

About the Program
The goal of the program is to aid in the continuance of self sufficiency. Approved applicants are considered to be the most in need because they are homeless or at risk of hamelessness. Applicants are evaluated on the ability to be immediately housed or already in housing, but in danger of losing that housing through no fault of their own. The family must lack sufficient resources to secure permanent housing. The program is not intended to be the first step for economic self reliance. Ranking Factors

How the Program Works
Once approved, the client is issued a certificate. The participant is allowed 30 days to find housing in Charles County. If after 30 days the client has not found a place to live, a one-time extension of 30 days is permitted. When the client finds a unit to rent, they return a notice requesting inspection approval. When the unit passes inspection, contracts are signed and the tenant may move in. RAP payments are made for 12 months. 

How to Participate
Applicants are contacted when funding is available, and appointments are made to complete the application process. Staff complete a preliminary analysis of need, income, and likelihood of attaining self-sufficiency. Documentation is gathered.

Interested persons may apply by completing a Housing Choice Voucher application, which automatically places a person on the RAP waiting list.