Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DEHAP) helps tenant households with past due rent, current and future rent as well as past due and current utility bills. You can submit an application by visiting the application portal or get assistance here.

How to Qualify


How do you apply?
You can go to the application portal to begin the application process. If you need assistance completing your application, contact one of our partners for help.

Who is eligible for assistance?
Tenants who qualify for unemployment benefits or have suffered significant financial hardship directly related to COVID-19.

Tenants who are experiencing the possibility of homelessness or unstable housing (past due rent or eviction notice or rent more than 30% of gross monthly income.

2020 income or current income at the time of application which does not exceed 80% of area median as shown below:

Newcastle County
1 person - $52,960
2 persons - $60,480
3 persons - $68,080
4 persons - $75,600
5 persons - $81,680
6 persons - $87,760

Kent and Sussex
1 person - $46, 480
2 persons - $53,120
3 persons - $59,760
4 persons - $66,400
5 persons - $71,680
6 persons - $77,040

Note: Past due rent prior to April 1, 2020 is not covered by this program.

FAQ


What does DEHAP pay for?
The program pays for past due and current rent and utilities (if included in lease) due the landlord dating back to April 2020. Utilities include electricity, gas, water, wastewater and sewer.

The program may also cover late fees and court costs. Late fees may only be charges from August 2021 on. The state of emergency prohibited late fees from April 2020 to July 2021.

You do not have to be behind in rent to apply. You are allowed to apply for both rent and utilities. DEHAP will also help with first month’s rent and security deposits required to move into a rental property.

DEHAP may also pay for three months advance rent from the time the application was processed.

If you got help from a previous program in 2020, can you get help again?
You can receive assistance again for rent that hasn’t already been paid by the program, but you will have to re-apply.

Are the stimulus checks and unemployment benefits I've received included in my income?
The stimulus check should not be included. The unemployment benefits must be included.

I don’t have a lease or rental agreement. Can I apply?
Yes, but you and your landlord will have to provide evidence of past payments and proof of residency. The proof of residency may be in the form of ONE of the following:

  • Utility bill

  • Insurance policies

  • Bank account records

  • Voting card

  • Credit card statement

  • Change of address confirmation from the U.S. post office

  • Employment records

Can people who rent rooms apply?
Yes, as long as they meet the program requirements. Renters who live in the same property as the landlord must provide documentation they have paid past rent.

If I get help with my rent from another program, can I still apply for this one?
Yes. If you receive a state or federal subsidy, you can still apply for DEHAP as a tenant.

Can I get help for past due rent from before April 2020?
Not through DEHAP. You can contact nonprofit organizations that assist with utility bills and homelessness prevention. You can find a list of these organizations on the Resources for Renters webpage.

Does DEHAP help with security deposits for people who are moving to new rental properties?
Yes. Effective August 11, 2021, DEHAP will assist with security deposits and the first month’s rent for renters moving into new properties with new leases. The program will also pay for future rent up to a total of 15 months.

Can landlords still evict tenants if they are participating in the program?
Landlords participating in the program must agree not to evict renters for non-payment of rent for the time period covered by the DEHAP payment.

Applications with pending eviction cases will not be approved until documents have been provided showing the case has been resolved, withdrawn, or settled.

Is it too late to apply if my landlord has already filed for eviction?
No. Be sure to check the box that asks about eviction status. Applications will not be approved until the case has been settled, withdrawn, or resolved.

Will the DEHAP money be sent to me?
Payments are made directly to landlords and utility companies. DEHAP strongly recommends direct deposit. It is faster than receiving mailed checks.

Can I apply if my lease has expired?
Yes. The rent assistance requested must be the same as that in the old lease. Submit the old lease.

Can I apply if I’ve already moved out of my rent house?
No. If you aren’t living in the property, DEHAP cannot pay past due rent and will not pay for eviction judgments.