In this subtitle, “programs” means rental assistance programs other than the Rental Allowance Program established under § 4–1403 of this subtitle and the Statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program established under Subtitle 29 of this title.

There are the Rental Allowance Program and other programs in the Department.

The Department shall administer the Rental Allowance Program to assist low–income households that are homeless or at risk of being homeless by providing housing assistance payments to or on behalf of eligible households. The Secretary shall establish: income limits for eligibility of low–income households not exceeding 30% of the State or area median income, whichever is higher; and minimum standards for eligible dwelling units. The Secretary shall establish the amount of payments made through the Rental Allowance Program, taking into account factors identified in § 4–1405(d) of this subtitle. Eligible uses of payments may include rent, security deposits, utilities, and other housing–related expenses. The Department may administer the Rental Allowance Program by providing monthly housing assistance payments to or on behalf of eligible households directly or through political subdivisions, their local housing agencies or departments, or nonprofit organizations. Funds appropriated to serve low–income households through the Rental Allowance Program may not be used for other programs authorized under this subtitle. The Department may adopt regulations to carry out the Rental Allowance Program, including time frames for assistance and other criteria the Secretary considers appropriate.

The Department may establish and administer programs, including programs to assist households that: are homeless or at risk of homelessness; include an individual with a disability or special need; have been displaced or otherwise impacted by disaster; or have a critical or emergency housing need.

The Department may administer the programs by providing monthly housing assistance payments to or on behalf of eligible households directly or through political subdivisions, their local housing agencies or departments, or nonprofit organizations. In establishing the programs, the Department shall consult with, as appropriate: the Department of Human Services; the Department of Disabilities; or any other unit of State or local government. The Secretary shall establish criteria for the programs, including: income limits for eligibility of households; time frames for assistance; monthly assistance amounts; standards for eligible dwelling units, including types of units, inspection standards, and rent limits; eligible uses of assistance payments which may include security deposits, utilities, and other housing related expenses; and any other criteria the Secretary considers appropriate. In establishing the program criteria, the Secretary may consider factors that include: household size and expected average income; regional variations throughout the State; typical housing costs and expenses; relevant standards and definitions established for State and federal housing programs; housing needs of eligible households and the expected duration of the housing needs; and equitable distribution of funds statewide. The Secretary may establish different criteria for different programs.

The Department may adopt regulations to carry out the programs.