Current Processing Time
Current application processing wait time is:
25 to 30 days
Application Guidelines
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Must have income or proof of potential income—this includes unemployment, child support or other sources.
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If you do not have the ability to pay your housing expenses going forward your application will be denied
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We do not have funding for hotels/motels.
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We serve 69 counties in Wisconsin. We do not have funding for Dane, Racine, and Milwaukee Counties.
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Applicants must be under the 50% County Median Income.
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If you are applying for social security disability or other benefits, you must submit proof of your application.
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If delinquent due to theft or stolen money, you must submit police report with application.
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If delinquent due to emergency expenses, submit receipt(s) with application.
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You may apply for 1 type of assistance every 12 months.
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Applications are typically processed within 10 business days.
This is NOT an emergency program
Application processing will take up to 25 - 30 days
Apply Online
You can apply for our Housing Assistance program at the link below.
Before applying please read our program guidelines and criteria to ensure you have your required documentation ready to submit.
Required Documentation
What We Can Help With
Rental Assistance
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Must be past due on rent
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Submit a completed Landlord Rental Assistance Verification Form with application
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We are unable to offer delinquent rental assistance for those in section 8 and subsidized housing
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Your landlord must agree that our payment will stop the eviction process
Utility Assistance
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Must be behind on utility payment
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May not be in Section 8 or subsidized housing
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Applicant's name must be on utility bill
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Submit an updated utility bill with application
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Submit proof of your last payment. We can match this payment up to $400
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You must be at risk of homelessness
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Must have proof of energy assistance decision letter
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Must have proof of crisis energy assistance decision letter
Security Deposit Assistance
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Must have a valid/emergency reason for moving
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Submit a complete application including the Landlord Security/Deposit Verification Form
Property Tax Assistance
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Must be at risk of property lien (at least 2 years behind)
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Must be owner occupied
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Submit an updated property tax statement with application
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Submit proof that you are current on your mortgage
Mortgage Assistance
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Must be at risk of foreclosure (at least 2 months behind)
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Must be owner occupied
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This must be your primary residence
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Submit an updated mortgage statement with application
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Submit proof that you are current on your property taxes
This Grant is made possible by DOA Critical Assistance funding.
Other Resources:
Rent Smart is designed for people with little or no rental experience or those that have had difficulty obtaining rental housing.
What you will learn:
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Planning for and meeting monthly expenses
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Tips for finding and maintaining affordable housing
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How to complete an application and why landlords screen applicants
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Strategies for building positive relationships with landlords and neighbors
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Responsibilities and rights of landlords and tenants
Rent Smart is brought to you by UW-Madison, Division of Extension