FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Russell N. Thomas
410.514.7151/thomas@mdhousing.org
CROWNSVILLE, MD (March 20, 2007) – In an effort to help Marylanders easily find rental housing that meets their needs, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has partnered with Socialserve.com to launch an online listing of rental housing units available Statewide. The new web site, www.MDHousingSearch.org, allows property owners to advertise their available rental housing units, including market rate rentals and affordable units. Prospective renters can then use the web site to search the up-to-date listings based on criteria including cost, neighborhood, or personal needs.
"They say information is power, and this new web site will provide a wealth of information to empower Marylanders in their search for a home they can afford with the amenities and services they want," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "I strongly encourage landlords and property owners to list their available units on www.MDHousingSearch.org to help expand housing opportunities in our great State."
Property owners will be able to list and update their available rental units for free. Listings will include basic information like property address, rent, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. In addition to providing this basic information, owners have the option to add photographs of the property and advertise specific unit information including highlighted amenities, accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, acceptance of Section 8 Housing Vouchers, and neighborhood information such as recreation, shopping, and access to public transportation. Property owners can also use the web site as a tool to manage their inventory of properties, as well as make neighborhood and pricing comparisons.
The web site will be open to prospective renters in April 2007 and will provide them with a reliable, easy-to-use tool to find the best affordable housing options. The site allows prospective renters to create their own search criteria to find available properties that meet their specific needs. Apartment vacancy data is updated weekly, and the site supports property searches in English and Spanish. Owners and prospective renters who do not have internet access will be able to receive personal assistance with listing or searching for properties through a toll-free, bilingual call center.
"Increasing the supply of affordable rental housing in Maryland is one of the Department of Housing and Community Development's key missions," said DHCD Secretary Raymond Skinner. "Partnering with Socialserve.com to create this wonderful online service will enable DHCD to better assist our citizens in their search for a home in the neighborhood of their choice."
Socialserve.com is a program of Non-Profit Industries (NPI), a national not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to developing leading-edge, user-friendly web-based applications that give agencies, municipalities, and the general public access to tools and information that make it easier to find affordable housing and program information. Established in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1999, Socialserve.com has been recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Housing Institute. To date, 17 states and numerous housing authorities have partnered with Socialserve.com.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Marylanders by working with its partners to revitalize communities and expand homeownership and affordable housing opportunities. To learn more about DHCD and its programs, visit www.mdhousing.org or www.morehouse4less.com.
