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: $10,000

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

RMAP does not cover or reimburse application fees under any circumstances.

Applicants must upload one of the following documents as proof of an eligible new move-in:

• Full Lease Agreement (all pages)
• Housing Unit Approval Letter
• Housing Unit Welcome Letter

Applications submitted without acceptable proof of move-in will be considered ineligible.

If submitting a Lease:

• Must be for 12 months of occupancy
• Must begin on the date of application or within 45 days after the application date
• Leases that begin prior to the application date will not be accepted
• Must include all pages and signatures

This phase of RMAP is a new move-in assistance program only. Existing leases or currently occupied units are not eligible.

If submitting an Approval Letter or Welcome Letter, the document must clearly include:

• Move-in date
• Total move-in costs required
• Unit address
• Applicant (renter) name
• Number of persons in the household
• Landlord or property management contact information

Incomplete or unclear documentation may affect eligibility or prevent application processing.

Yes, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)/Section 8 households may apply for RMAP assistance. RMAP may assist with the approved security deposit amount, up to 2 times the rent. The City will only approve a security deposit amount consistent with the RTA amount authorized by THA.

Please note:

• RMAP does not pay application fees, cleaning fees, or similar landlord-imposed move-in charges.
• RMAP does not pay first month’s rent or last month’s rent for HCV/Section 8 households.
• Move-in assistance and administrative fees for HCV/Section 8 households will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Applicants should be prepared to provide RTA/documentation from THA regarding their voucher assistance, approved rent amount, and security deposit requirement.

The City of Tampa’s Rental and Move-In Assistance Program (RMAP) is administered only by City of Tampa staff through the official online application process.

• The City does not partner with any individuals or third parties to guarantee approval, fast-track applications, or secure funding on your behalf.
• No one can guarantee RMAP assistance, and the City does not charge any fees to apply.
• Anyone requesting payment, offering special access, or claiming affiliation outside of the official process is not affiliated with the City of Tampa.
   

Residents should apply only through the City website: Official Online Portal