In an effort to alleviate the stress of spiking rent costs for working residents, the City of Tampa has announced the return of its Rental and Move-in Assistance Program (RMAP), set to accept new applications starting tomorrow. According to the Tampa government website, more than 1,800 families have already benefited from the program, obtaining a collective aid of over $9.5 million since it first kicked off in 2022

Designed to support individuals facing high rents in Tampa's housing market, RMAP offers financial assistance including security deposits, first and last month's rent, and up to one year of monthly rental support. Before the program was interrupted in April due to a high volume of applications, the fifth phase of RMAP successfully provided permanent housing solutions and prevented many evictions.

"We are proud to say, that after months of being put on pause, we are re-opening this program to provide assistance to more residents facing high rent costs," Mayor Jane Castor expressed in a statement obtained by the Tampa government website. The program's latest phase, which was initiated, helped 118 families dodge eviction; additionally, it ensured 285 families could sustain stable housing, which indicates a marked success for the RMAP's objectives.

The RMAP is available to families earning up to 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and is aimed at current renters with approved units in the City of Tampa. For example, a four-person household earning $70,000, which is within the 50-80% AMI range, would be eligible for a maximum of $7,500 in total assistance or $625 monthly. This helps those affected by rising housing costs and economic uncertainty in Tampa's competitive real estate market.