TAMPA, Fla. — For the sixth time since March 2022, the city of Tampa has opened its rental assistance program to help families secure stable housing. Nearly $3.1 million has been allocated to cover costs such as security deposits, initial and final month’s rent and monthly rental assistance for up to one year.

What You Need To Know

  • For the sixth time since March 2022, the City of Tampa has opened its rental assistance program to help families secure stable housing

  • $3.1 million has been allocated to cover costs such as security deposits, initial and final month’s rent, and monthly rental assistance for up to one year

  • A four-person household making $70,000 would be considered at 50-80% AMI and could qualify for a maximum assistance of $7,500 total, or $625 per month

  • 25 eligible applications will be accepted every Tuesday and Thursday until the funding limit is reached. For an application, visit the following link: tampa.gov/rmap

Around 1,800 families benefited from the assistance during the last cycle, including a local veteran and his family.

Combat veteran Marcos Morales fell on hard times after transitioning out of the military. He lacked stable housing until he was linked to the City of Tampa’s rental assistance program.

“It’s a huge relief,” said Morales. “Rent is going up and, you know, you got to have like four or five people just so they can afford rent. And what happens if somebody else leaves? Somebody else is going to have to cover that.”

Morales moved into his new townhome about a month ago.

“For now, it’s a start,” he said. “Its been a long journey.”

Since the program’s launch, the City of Tampa has awarded over $9.5 million in rental assistance.

The program helps renters who earn up to 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

A four-person household making $70,000 would be considered at 50-80% AMI and could qualify for a maximum assistance of $7,500 total, or $625 per month.

Between February and April this year, the RMAP program helped:

  • 51 people who were homeless,
  • 35 disabled individuals,
  • 29 senior citizens,
  • 211 families with minor children.

Marcos says his children and newfound love have encouraged him to keep going.

“I’m taking it day by day,” said Marcos. “I appreciate life more. I appreciate it a lot.”

The city will accept 25 eligible applications every Tuesday and Thursday until the funding limit is reached. For an application, visit the following link: tampa.gov/rmap.