Where to find help paying a security deposit
Security deposit assistance comes from three main sources: local nonprofits, government housing programs, and community action agencies. Most programs give money directly to the landlord or property manager rather than to you, which means you need to contact them before you sign a lease. The fastest way to find what exists in your area is to call 211 (a free referral line) or search the National Foundation for Credit Counseling database for nonprofits near you.
Some programs are one-time grants that don't require repayment. Others are loans you pay back over months. A few combine both — they grant part of the deposit and loan the rest. Which type you find depends on where you live, your income, and whether you're moving because of a job, domestic violence, or homelessness.
Key Takeaways
- Call 211 or search your city's housing authority website to find deposit assistance programs currently taking requests in your area.
- Most programs require proof of income, a signed lease or lease agreement, and landlord contact information before they will pay.
- Nonprofits and community action agencies often move faster than government programs but may have smaller amounts available per person.
- Some programs are grants (you keep the money) and others are loans (you repay them), so ask which type before you commit.
- Tell your landlord you are seeking assistance and ask them to wait for the deposit before you sign — many will hold a unit for a few days.
Local nonprofits and community action agencies
Community action agencies exist in most counties and often run deposit assistance as part of their housing programs. They typically have smaller funds than government programs but move faster — sometimes approving requests in days rather than weeks. To find yours, search "[your county] community action agency" or call 211 and ask for the agency serving your area.
These organizations usually require proof of income (recent pay stubs or a job offer letter), a signed lease or lease agreement, and the landlord's name and phone number. Some ask for proof that you've been denied other assistance first. The deposit amount they cover varies widely — some cap at $500, others at $1,500 or more — so ask about their limit before you apply.
Local nonprofits focused on housing, homelessness prevention, or specific populations (such as domestic violence survivors or formerly incarcerated people) may also offer deposit help. These are harder to find through a general search, which is why 211 is useful — the operator can tell you which organizations in your area do this work.
Government housing programs and housing authorities
Your city or county housing authority sometimes runs deposit assistance, often as part of a homelessness prevention program. These programs typically have larger budgets than nonprofits but longer wait times and more paperwork. Contact your local housing authority directly — search "[your city] housing authority" or ask 211 for the number.
Government programs often require that you meet income limits (usually 30 to 50 percent of the area median income, which varies by location) and prove you are at risk of homelessness without the deposit. Some require that you have already been denied housing because of the deposit cost. Processing can take two to four weeks, so apply as soon as you have a lease agreement in hand.
A few states and cities have dedicated security deposit funds. New York, for example, has the Security Deposit Loan Program run through the Human Resources Administration. California has programs through some counties. Ask your housing authority whether your state or city has a dedicated fund, because these often have fewer restrictions than general homelessness prevention programs.
Employer and workforce development programs
If you are moving for a new job, ask your employer's human resources department whether they offer relocation assistance or deposit help. Some larger employers, especially those in tech, healthcare, or government, include this as part of their hiring package. Even if it is not automatic, HR may know of local nonprofits that partner with employers to help new hires.
Workforce development boards and job training programs sometimes cover deposits for people completing their programs. If you are in a training program, apprenticeship, or job placement service, ask the program coordinator whether deposit assistance is available. These programs move quickly because they are tied to your employment start date.
Religious organizations and mutual aid networks
Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith communities often have emergency assistance funds that cover deposits. You do not have to be a member to ask — most have a community outreach or benevolence committee that handles requests. Call ahead and ask whether they help with housing deposits and what documentation they need.
Mutual aid networks and community groups have grown in many cities, especially since 2020. These are informal organizations run by neighbors that pool money for emergencies. Search "[your neighborhood] mutual aid" or ask on local Facebook groups or Nextdoor whether a network exists near you. These groups move very fast but have smaller amounts available.
What you need to bring when you ask for help
Most programs ask for the same core documents. Bring a signed lease or a lease agreement (a letter from the landlord saying they will rent to you once the deposit is paid). Bring proof of income — recent pay stubs, an offer letter, or a benefits statement. Bring the landlord's name, phone number, and mailing address so the program can pay them directly.
Some programs also ask for proof that you have been denied other assistance, a photo ID, proof of residency in the area, or documentation of why you need the deposit (job loss, eviction, homelessness). Ask what each program needs before you visit or call, so you do not make multiple trips.
If you do not have a lease yet, ask the landlord for a lease agreement or a letter saying they will hold the unit while you seek deposit assistance. Most landlords will wait a few days if you explain the situation. Having this in writing makes it much easier for assistance programs to help you.
When deposit assistance is a loan instead of a grant
Some programs loan you the deposit amount, which you repay over time — usually 6 to 12 months with no interest. This is still useful if you do not have the cash upfront, but it means you will have a monthly payment alongside your rent. Ask the program whether the loan is forgivable (you do not have to repay it if you stay in the apartment for a certain time) or whether you repay it no matter what.
A few programs offer a hybrid: they grant part of the deposit and loan the rest. For example, they might grant $300 and loan $700 of a $1,000 deposit. This reduces the amount you have to repay while still getting you into the apartment. Always ask whether the program offers a grant, a loan, or a combination before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a lease yet?
Ask the landlord for a lease agreement or a letter stating they will rent to you once the deposit is paid. Most assistance programs need this in writing before they will process your request. Many landlords will hold a unit for three to five days while you seek assistance.
Can I get help if I have bad credit or an eviction history?
Yes. Nonprofits and government programs focus on whether you can afford the deposit and rent going forward, not on your credit score or past evictions. Some programs specifically serve people with eviction histories. Be honest about your situation when you apply — it will not disqualify you.
How long does it take to get the money?
Nonprofits and community action agencies often approve requests in three to seven days. Government programs typically take two to four weeks. Tell your landlord you have applied and ask them to wait. If the program approves you, they will pay the landlord directly, and you can move in.
What if no program has money available right now?
Ask when the fund reopens and whether you can be added to a waiting list. Many programs run out of money partway through the year and reopen when new funding arrives. In the meantime, ask the landlord whether they will accept a smaller deposit upfront and the rest within 30 days, or whether a co-signer would help.
Do I have to repay a grant?
No. A grant is money you keep. A loan is money you repay. Ask the program which type they offer before you apply. Some programs offer both options depending on your situation.