RENTAL AND MOVE-IN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RMAP)

Under the direction of Mayor Jane Castor, the Rental & Move-In Assistance Program was launched in March 2022 in order to help local renters with their rising rent bills. The Castor Administration and the Tampa City Council were both willing and eager to create a program that could be put in place quickly and used to help as many residents as possible.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to receiving your application and helping you through the process. We understand the need for assistance is great and it is our mission to provide you answers, and ultimately financial relief, as soon as possible. However, given the overwhelming amount of interest the program has received, please be patient as we work to process every case thoroughly and fairly.

Application Details

• Applications will be accepted Tuesdays only from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Applications must be submitted through the online portal only; in-person applications will not be accepted.

Available Assistance

• Assistance is available for new move-in costs only, including:
  • First month’s rent
  • Last month’s rent
  • Security deposit
  • Administrative fees
• Maximum assistance per household: $7,500

New Move-In

Requirements:

• Must have been approved for a unit (Move-in date within 45 days)
• Unit must be located within the city limits of Tampa
• Must have a stable source of income that demonstrates the ability to pay monthly rent (Up to 140% AMI)
• Household has not received RMAP assistance previously

• RMAP applications are only accepted through the official online portal.
• In-person appointments are not required or available to apply for RMAP assistance.
• Booking an appointment will not allow early access to the application process.
• If an individual has a disability that substantially limits their ability to complete the online application, they may call the City ADA Coordinator, Raquel Pancho, at (813) 274-3964 to request a review for an accommodation.
• If you have any questions, please contact the Housing Information Line at 813-307-5555.

Application Limitations and Reapplication Policy:

• After 2 denied or expired applications, a 30 day waiting period is required before reapplying.
• After 3 denied or expired applications, a 60 day waiting period is required before reapplying.
• After 4 denied or expired applications, a 365 day waiting period is required before reapplying.

Additionally, applicants may become permanently ineligible to reapply if the information provided in their application cannot be verified.

Since its start, the program has received widespread attention. Once you submit your application, please be patient as our staff works to process your case as efficiently as possible. In general, most applicants receive an update regarding their application status within 14 business days.

For questions about the program, please contact the Housing Information Line at (813) 307-5555 (Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm).