Landlord Engagement Program FAQ
Program Overview
The Landlord Engagement Program is an initiative of the Housing Coalition of Cumberland County
(HCCC) which incentivizes landlords to rent to individuals experiencing barriers when looking for
housing. The purpose of this program is to:
● Foster a sense of community between landlords, community organizations, and those seeking
affordable housing.
● Create a direct feedback mechanism to learn about the specific needs of landlords and what
would incentivize them to provide affordable housing.
● Provide an opportunity for landlords to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals
and families while ensuring their business needs are met.
● Support human service agencies working to connect clients to affordable housing.
1. What financial incentives are available to landlords?
For the calendar year 2025, the following incentives are available:
● Sign-on bonus equal to one month’s rent.
● A one-time barrier removal payment if a landlord waives application requirements due to low
credit score, eviction history, criminal record, or other factors as determined by the Housing
Coalition of Cumberland County.
● Risk Mitigation funds in the event damages occur as a result of tenant abuse or neglect. Up to
$2,500 in excess of security deposit.
2. Can incentives to landlords be given retroactively?
No. The sign-on bonus and barrier removal payments are given at lease signing. Risk Mitigation
funds are given as needed to landlords who have received a sign-on bonus.
3. Are there any incentives to tenants/clients?
No. This program is to incentivize landlords to rent to clients experiencing housing barriers. HCCC
works directly with landlords and partner organizations and will not have any direct contact with
tenants/clients. Payments are made directly to landlords. Partner Agencies may provide incentives
for their client(s) such as a security deposit, first month’s rent, or application fees.
4. What is the “matching service” offered through the Landlord Engagement Initiative?
The matching service eliminates the need for landlords to post vacancies publicly and provides a
streamlined process for vetting tenants from multiple Partner Agencies. Landlords receive tenant
profiles “matched” based on preference criteria and characteristics of the rental unit available (e.g.
number of bedrooms, etc.).
Matching Process for Landlords:
1. Landlord notifies HCCC of an upcoming vacancy via Sign-up form.
2. HCCC reviews existing tenant profiles in the system and contacts Partner Agencies to
determine if there are additional “matches” for the landlord.
3. HCCC forwards tenant profiles to the landlord for review.
4. Landlord may request that HCCC connect them directly with a Partner Agency to finalize
tenancy or use the tenant profiles to move to the next step of their tenancy screening process.
5. Landlord provides banking information for payment and submits 1) a walkthrough checklist
and 2) the executed lease agreement to HCCC to receive their sign-on bonus and any barrier
removal payments that may apply.
Matching Process for Partner Organizations:
1. Partner Agency submits a Tenant Profile to HCCC.
2. HCCC notifies the Partner Agency if there is or is not a unit “match” currently available.
3. If HCCC has an available match, tenant profiles will be forwarded to the landlord(s) for review.
4. If the landlord is interested in the tenant, HCCC will facilitate a connection between the
landlord and the Partner Agency.
NOTE:
● HCCC does not guarantee housing for specific tenants/clients. The matching service does not
guarantee a tenant and landlord will be matched or that a landlord will choose to sign a lease
agreement with the tenant.
● HCCC does not work directly with tenants/clients. It is the program agency’s responsibility to
work with their client.
● A tenant profile will not expire if there is not an immediate match. It will be held in our
database until either the tenant has found suitable housing or new rental opportunities open.
5. I’m working with a family/individual, are they “matchable” and ready for a Tenant
Profile?
● Tenant(s) have a barrier that has prevented them from obtaining housing.
● Tenant(s) must be moving to a property in Cumberland County.
● Tenant(s) must have income that will sustain rent.
6. Are there income limits/requirements for tenants?
We have a variety of funding sources with varying requirements. There is no income limit cap
when completing a tenant profile. HCCC will notify the Partner Agencies in the event funding
requirements change or become limited.
7. Can I send a tenant profile without a signed partner agreement from my
organization?
No. To request a partner agreement, email: cait@newlifecommunity.us