Rent, Mortgage & Utility Relief

Rent, Mortgage & Utility Relief Grant Program for Citizens Affected by COVID-19

Oakland County is dedicating more than $3 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, from the federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, for eligible Oakland County residents to pay up to three months of past-due rent, mortgage and utility payments as a result of a temporary job loss, reduction in work hours or other income hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDBG grant program is through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Payments for this one-time grant will be made by Oakland County on behalf of a qualified household up to a maximum of $15,000 per household. This program is designed to assist low income households whose gross household income is less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as defined by HUD.

Household Income Eligibility

Distribution of Applications and Funds

Funds will be distributed in two phases:

Phase 1: July 1 – August 31, 2020
Phase 2: October 1 – November 30, 2020

Applications will be accepted during each phase until funds are exhausted. This is a one-time grant opportunity for eligible households.

If you want an application mailed to you, email OCHousingRelief@oakgov.com or call 248-858-0730.

You may email your application or drop off a hardcopy at the following locations between 8:30am and 3:30pm:

Oakland County Community & Home Improvement

Oakland Pointe, Ste. 1900
250 Elizabeth Lake Road
Pontiac, MI 48341-0414

South Oakland Health Office

27725 Greenfield Road,
Southfield, MI 48076

Novi 52-1 District Court Office

48150 Grand River Avenue
Novi, MI 48374

Once the complete application is reviewed, the applicant will be notified regarding the approval or denial. The County will issue payment to the rental owner or mortgage company directly. NOTE: Please make sure you complete the Third-Party Authorization Form.

Referrals to other programs offering financial assistance for rent, mortgage and utilities will be recommended if an applicant is not eligible for this program. Resources to meet additional housing needs and no cost housing counseling services may be provided.

Qualifications Overview

Must be a legal resident in 1 of 53 participating communities. NOTE: Exceptions include the cities of Farmington Hills, Royal Oak and Southfield and Waterford Township who receive COVID-19 CDBG funds directly from HUD and may offer similar relief programs. Lake Angelus, Novi Township, Southfield Township and Bingham Farms do not participate in the COVID-19 CDBG program.
Have a household income less than 80% of the area median income, as defined by HUD
Inability to pay due to a temporary job loss, reduced work hours or other income hardship caused by COVID-19 pandemic, beginning March 10, 2020 or later
The household has not received assistance from any other source for the same activity and time period as requested through this program
Your landlord or property manager or mortgage company must agree to participate in the program. (No payments will be made directly to the applicant.)
This program provides a one-time grant for eligible households and covers the following areas:

Rent payment (includes land contract payments, mobile home lot rent, late fees, court costs).
Mortgage payment and/or association fees
Utility payment (gas, electric, water and sewer). Note: Residents of communities participating in the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) must apply to WRAP for water assistance.

Household liquid assets (e.g., savings, checking, cash) are limited to $10,000

Applicant Document Checklist

The information provided shall be kept confidential and used only for the purpose of determining eligibility for financial assistance. Components of a complete application process include:

Completed Application
Third-Party Authorization and Waiver of Confidentiality
State of Michigan Photo ID (must match the address on the lease/mortgage)
Active Lease Agreement, including an agreement to rent month-to-month if expired
Notice to Quit or other written documentation of amount of rent owed
Most recent mortgage statement
Most recent utility bills
Most recent Bank Statements
Verification of all sources of Income. Examples include:

Pay Stubs (1 month)
Unemployment Award Letter
Social Security, Disability or Social Security Income Award Letter
Verification of Pension
Verification of Child Support/Alimony
Veteran’s Benefit
Worker’s Compensation Statement
Self-employment – Year to date Profit/Loss and last two years income tax