Charities That Help With Deposit for Rent: Where to Ask and How to Apply

Charities that help with deposit for rent

Each of these groups works through local offices. What one office offers can be very different from the office one county over, so always call the office that serves your ZIP code.

Salvation Army offices that offer deposit help often run it as part of a rapid re-housing program. Our Salvation Army security deposit assistance guide explains how that works. Catholic Charities has its own guide, too: see Catholic Charities security deposit assistance.

St. Vincent de Paul groups are run by volunteers at local Catholic parishes. They usually visit you, talk through your situation, and may pay part of a deposit. You do not need to be Catholic to get help from any of these charities.

How government grants pay for deposits

Much of the deposit money charities hand out comes from HUD’s Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program. Cities, counties, and states pass this money to nonprofits. The federal rule at 24 CFR 576.105 lists what ESG can pay to landlords and utility companies:

ESG money comes in two main forms. Rapid re-housing helps people who are already homeless move into a home. Homelessness prevention helps people at risk of losing housing, and under 24 CFR 576.103 it is limited to households with income below 30% of area median income. Many communities send ESG requests through a single intake line, often called coordinated entry. When you call 211, ask how to get a coordinated entry assessment.

Deposit help for veterans

Veterans have a dedicated option. The VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, run by local nonprofits, can pay a security deposit and a utility deposit. Under 38 CFR 62.34, each can be paid once every two years, directly to the landlord or utility. SSVF serves very low-income veteran families, generally at or below 50% of area median income, who are homeless or at risk. Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 to be connected.

Who usually qualifies

Every charity sets its own rules, but most look for the same things:

• A real housing need: you are homeless, in a shelter, being evicted, or must move for safety.
• Income under a limit: often a share of area median income or of the poverty line.
• Ability to pay rent going forward: charities want the new place to be affordable for you, often with rent near a third of your income.
• A specific unit: most will not pay until you have a landlord who agrees to rent to you.
• Living in their service area: help is usually limited to certain counties.

Survivors of domestic violence may get priority and special safety rules. Tell the intake worker if that applies to you.

Working with your new landlord

Charities pay landlords directly, so the landlord has to cooperate. Most programs ask for a signed lease or a letter of intent to rent, the landlord’s name and contact details, and a form such as a W-9 so they can send the check. Let the landlord know early that a charity will be paying the deposit and that it may take one to two weeks. Many landlords will hold a unit if they know payment is coming.

Some programs also inspect the unit before paying. ESG rules require habitability and rent reasonableness checks, so a unit in poor condition or priced well above local rents may not be approved.

Other ways to cover a deposit

• Ask the landlord to split the deposit into two or three monthly payments.
• Ask about a deposit alternative, such as a lower deposit for a higher monthly rent. Read the terms closely, because some deposit insurance fees are not refundable.
• Use your old deposit: if you are moving from another rental, ask your current landlord when your refund will be sent.
• Look for move-in specials with reduced deposits.
• Check state and local programs: some states and cities run their own deposit programs. Visit USA.gov emergency rent help for links.
• Lower your other bills by applying for SNAP and LIHEAP, so more of your money can go to housing.

Getting your deposit back later

A deposit paid by a charity is usually treated like any other deposit. State law sets how much a landlord can charge and how fast it must be returned after you move out. Take dated photos when you move in and move out, keep a copy of the lease, and give your new address in writing. Ask the charity whether a refund should go to you or back to them. If a landlord keeps your deposit unfairly, contact legal aid. USA.gov’s tenant rights page links to your state’s rules, and LSC can help you find free legal aid.

Rental and deposit scams to avoid

• Never send a deposit by wire transfer, gift card, or payment app to someone you have not met.
• Be wary of a listing that is far cheaper than similar homes nearby.
• Do not pay before you see the unit in person and confirm the owner.
• Real charities do not charge an application fee for deposit help.

You can report rental scams to the Federal Trade Commission.

What documents do I need to apply?

Expect to show photo ID, Social Security numbers for the people applying, proof of income for the last 30 days, and proof of where you live, plus any paper that shows the emergency itself. Our document checklist explains what counts for each item and what to do if something is missing. If you don't have everything yet, apply anyway and ask the office how long you have to bring the rest.

How to ask for deposit help, step by step

1. Dial 211 and ask which charities have security deposit or move-in funds.
2. Ask about coordinated entry if you are homeless or about to be.
3. Find a unit you can afford and get a letter of intent or lease from the landlord.
4. Call two or three charities the same day; funds often open early in the month.
5. Bring your documents and the landlord’s contact details to the appointment.
6. Ask each charity how much it can pay, and combine help if one cannot cover it all.
7. Follow up with the landlord and charity until the check is received.

Moving costs add up, too. See our guides on free help moving and churches that help with security deposits.

Related guides

• Salvation Army security deposit assistance
• Assistance with rent deposit
• 211 rent assistance
• Emergency rent assistance near me

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information. Charity funding and rules vary by location and change often. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with any charity or government agency.