Security and/or Utility Deposits - Rental Assistance

The Osceola County and City of Kissimmee Rental Security and Utility Program will provide assistance to eligible residents in danger of becoming homeless as a result of the inability to pay security and/or utility deposits when seeking residence in rental housing.

You may be eligible if:

• your annual income does not exceed 120% of the area median income for Osceola County, and
• you are in danger of being homeless due to not being able to pay security and/or utility deposit on place to rent

To see if you are below the 120% area median income limit:

1. Go to the Florida Housing Income Limits page
2. Select the current year Income Limits button
3. Scroll down (very bottom of the page) to the SHIP and HHRP combined income limits document.
4. In the document, find the section for Osceola County. Your income must be at or below the 120% amount, based on household size.

There are two 2 steps that must be completed before receiving this assistance:

• You must have a written referral for assistance from a case manager/social worker from a nonprofit organization or an agency of the government serving Osceola County.
• After you receive the referral, contact us at (407) 742-8400 or bring it to our office, located at 1392 E. Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744.
• Obtain a "Captain of your Financial Ship" Certificate of Completion from the Osceola County Extension Service Office. Call (321) 697-3000 for dates and registration or visit the UF/IFAS Extension Osceola County website.

The rental and utility assistance is an amount up to $1,500.00 combined for those eligible, or $1,500 for each assistance separately.

No. The assistance is a grant and there are no recapture terms.

No, we will assist you with the rental deposit and / or the utility deposit one (1) time within a three (3) year period.

You must sign a minimum one (1) year lease for the unit.

Yes, however the unit must be within Osceola County.

Yes, you must have verifiable income. Verifiable income includes:

• Salary
• Social Security Benefits
• Department of Children & Families (cash assistance)
• Child Support
• Pension
• Veterans Benefits