Rental Assistance

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Rental Deposit Assistance Program provides funding up to $1,700 to pay rental security and utility deposits on behalf of eligible very low income persons and/or households within Alachua County.

Eligible utility deposits include only provider-mandated deposits for water, sewer, electricity, and gas. Rental Deposit funds may also be used to pay project delivery costs associated with strategy implementation such as inspection fees to ensure the unit meets Section 8 Housing Quality Standards.


​​​​​​​​​​

To Apply:

At this time, no orientation sessions will be held and applications are no longer being accepted for the SHIP Rental Deposit Program until new funding is available.

​​
How do I qualify?
How do I qualify?

Eligible applicants will be approved for assistance subject to funding availability on a first-come, first-qualified, first-served basis using the following criteria:

  • Applicants must meet income eligibility requirements. Assistance is one-time only per household. Previous participants are not eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must demonstrate that they can afford the monthly rent and utilities for their selected unit.
  • Applicants assisted under this strategy must lease, for at least one year, a dwelling unit which meets Section 8 Housing Quality Standards.
  • Monthly rents may not exceed maximum rents as established by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation's annual Rent Schedule.​ Contact the Alachua County Housing Program at 352-337-6284 to obtain this information.
  • Applicants must show proof of residence in Alachua County.
  • Applicant must be the primary tenant of the dwelling unit to be leased.
  • Applicant may not be a college student unless employed 25 hours per week or more.
True
What income category does the Program Serve?
What income category does the Program Serve?

​Very low income households will be served.​

False
What utility deposits are eligible?
What utility deposits are eligible?

​Eligible deposits include only provider-mandated deposits for water, sewer, electricity, and gas.​

False
​​​​​​​​​