Private Market Rent Subsidy
Creative Housing’s Private Market Rent Subsidy (PMRS) program offers individuals affordable community settings by offsetting market-rate rents with a subsidy. PMRS clients pay a share of the rent, as determined by an income-based formula.
Eligibility & Referral
Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities (FCBDD) refers individuals who qualify as eligible for the Private Market Rent Subsidy program. Individuals interested in the program must be receiving waiver services from FCBDD and should contact and work with their Service Coordinator at FCBDD to be referred to the program.
If you have a question about eligibility or the referral process, call FCBDD Service Coordination at (614) 464-2743.
Rental Rates & Utility Credits
The Private Market Rent Subsidy program is an income-based program. Each rent subsidy is unique to the individual client and their choice of setting. The rent subsidy is the difference between 30% of the referral’s income minus a designated (adult household) utility credit and program market rent caps.
New Enrollee Market Rental Rate Caps and Designated Utility Credits
| Studio | 1-BR | 2-BR | 3-BR | 4-BR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Rates | $970 | $970 | $1,302 | $1,574 | $1,745 |
| Utility Credits | $98 | $98 | $121 | $144 | $144 |
Choosing a Place to Call Home
Upon referral, Creative Housing assists individuals with searching for apartments that meet the client’s needs. Possible needs to consider may include location in Franklin County, COTA bus & transit availability, handicap accessibility, and proximity to stores, restaurants, churches, family, work, and other amenities. It is important to balance needs, wants, and affordability in a limited housing market.
It is important that referrals carefully review costs associated with the places they would like to live. Community landlords may require fees in addition to rent, including renter insurance, cable & internet, water charges, common area maintenance (CAM), and more. The PMRS program does not provide financial assistance for anything additional to base rent.
Rental Application
After choosing a setting, the client completes and submits an application to the landlord. They may have help completing the application from family, guardians, support staff, and FCBDD. Creative Housing will provide a subsidy letter that can be used as proof of a source of income for rent.
All information provided during the application process must be truthful and accurate with no information knowingly withheld. Apartment management may do various background checks, including credit, criminal, and rental history.
Creative Housing’s experience is that when management is informed of an existing problem prior to any check, they are more willing to work with referrals in the approval process. Clients are held to all other application standards.
Clients may be eligible to receive additional benefits to cover the cost of application fees and security deposits.
Inspections
Upon approval, Creative Housing will schedule pre-occupancy inspections. The inspections include electric, heating, fire, and housing quality. All inspections must meet program guidelines before any lease is signed. These inspections are for the benefit of both the client and the landlord.
Signing the Lease
After all inspections are completed and approved, Creative Housing’s Rental Assistance Agreement and the lease can be signed.
The lease is usually for one year and the client should review any optional lease terms that may be more suitable to their needs and affordability. Once the lease is signed, the client is responsible for paying rent, fees, and utilities on time for the term of the lease. There are also tenant responsibilities identified in the lease that must be followed. All clients are expected to take good care of their new homes and respect their neighbor’s privacy and peaceful enjoyment of the premises.
Are you or do you support a person currently receiving a PMRS subsidy?
Log into the client portal to find and view additional information. If you do not have an account, you can request one here.
Are you interested in a PMRS referral for Creative Housing?
Contact the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities (FCBDD) to find out if you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Creative Housing pays the subsidy to the landlord directly. Payments are mailed at least 10 days in advance of the first of the month in which rent is due or paid electronically. Clients also pay their rent share directly to the landlord. Clients are responsible for making rent payments on time per their lease. Continuous late rent payments are not only costly but can be cause for eviction.