Housing & Utilities

Through orders (1, 2) from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, until the COVID-19 State of Emergency order has been lifted:

Landlords cannot evict residential tenants who have suffered loss of income due to COVID-19.
Lenders cannot repossess cars, trucks or mobile homes.
Foreclosures on homes are prohibited for those who have suffered loss of income due to COVID-19.

Borrowers are still responsible for the amounts owed.

Howard County Government’s infographic for renters has more information.
Howard County Government’s infographic for mortgage holders includes many details and extensive of resources.
Contact the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection for more information and resources at 410.313.6420.
Community Action Council of Howard County Housing Assistance includes eviction prevention (one-time financial grants), assistance with first month’s rent and one month’s rent past due, and assistance with other housing emergencies. Income qualifications apply. Ph. 410.313.6440
The Howard County Coordinated System to End Homelessness integrates the services of 13 non-profit and government agencies. Get help through the Grassroots Crisis Line at 410.531.6677.
Rebuilding Together Howard County is still making emergency repairs to homes for those in need during the COVID-19 outbreak. Call 410.381.3338 for more information or apply online here.

On April 29, 2020, Governor Hogan extended his executive order prohibiting utility companies from shutting off or charging late fees for residential services, including water, electricity, phone, cable, and internet. The order will be in effect until July 1, 2020.

The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) provides bill assistance to low-income households in the State of Maryland to make their energy costs more affordable and to help with the prevention of loss and the restoration of home energy service. There are income eligibility requirements. Contact OHEP with questions or to apply: 1.800.322.6347.
Community Action Council of Howard County provides utility assistance to households in imminent danger of utility cut-off. CAC provides this assistance in partnership with the Office of Home Energy Programs, BGE, Howard County Government and others. There are income eligibility requirements. Ph: 410.313.6440.

Contact your local electric and natural gas service provider if you are having trouble paying your bill, or for any service or program changes put in place to help combat the Coronavirus outbreak.
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) on Covid-19: https://www.bge.com/SafetyCommunity/Safety/Pages/coronavirus.aspx.
En Español
PEPCO on Covid-19: https://www.pepco.com/SafetyCommunity/Safety/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
En Español

Internet Essentials from Comcast brings affordable high-speed Internet to your home. You may qualify if you are eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others.
Xfinity’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak, including guidance, questions, and what to do if you are unable to pay your bill, visit: https://www.xfinity.com/prepare
Verizon’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak, including guidance, questions, and what to do if you are unable to pay your bill, visit: https://www.verizon.com/support/consumer/announcements/covid-19

Howard County’s Department of Public Works is open. Contact DPW’s customer service at [email protected] and 410.313.4400.

Email [email protected] with corrections/additions. For assistance in English and Spanish, call 410-313-5088.