Current Processing Time
Current application processing wait time is approximately :
5 Business 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.

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 least 2 years behind excluding the current property tax year
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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