RVA Stay Gap Grant will award $1,200 checks on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
The City of Richmond, Virginia, has set aside $3.9 million to help renters and homeowners who spend a disproportionate share of their income on shelter. Under the new RVA Stay Gap Grant, successful applicants will receive a one‑time $1,200 payment, but funding will be allotted in the order complete applications arrive—so speed matters.
Richmond officials say the program targets households whose annual housing costs equal or exceed 30 percent of their income. Recipients must also fall within the bottom 80 percent of the area’s low‑income bracket and cannot be benefiting from any other city housing aid.
How the RVA Stay Gap Grant helps households struggling with high housing costs
Rising rents and mortgage payments have squeezed budgets city‑wide; therefore, the $1,200 grant aims to cover a piece of overdue rent or ease a property‑tax bill. For renters, the money will be sent straight to landlords.
For homeowners, city staff will first apply the grant to outstanding real‑estate taxes, then forward any remainder by check. Consequently, both groups get relief without taking on new debt.
Eligibility requirements every Richmond applicant must meet before submitting the form
Renter costs can include rent, renter’s insurance, and utilities. Homeowner costs may include mortgage and utilities. Still not sure you qualify? Check this quick snapshot:
| Requirement | Renters | Homeowners |
|---|---|---|
| Residence in Richmond city limits | ✔ | ✔ |
| Housing costs ≥ 30 % of household income | ✔ | ✔ |
| Household income ≤ 80 % of area median | ✔ | ✔ |
| Current lease or mortgage in applicant’s name | ✔ | ✔ |
| Receiving other city housing aid | ✘ | ✘ |
Important dates, application steps, and what happens after you hit submit
- Gather papers now: proof of income, lease or mortgage, and recent utility statements.
- Complete the online or paper form: be sure every field is filled; incomplete files will slide to the back of the line.
- Submit before December 31: city hall will stop accepting applications at 11:59 p.m. on that date—no extensions.
- Wait up to eight weeks for notice: approvals and denials arrive by mail or email.
Wondering whether the city will run out of funds before you apply? Officials acknowledge that possibility, which is why Richmond urges residents not to delay. However, even a late application could be worth the effort if earlier files are deemed incomplete.
If you meet the criteria, act fast, double‑check your paperwork, and hit “submit” well before the New Year’s Eve deadline. The sooner you move, the better your odds of landing that $1,200 boost—and taking one worry off the table.