Renters

Renters. The State of Mississippi treats homeowners and renters equitably under the LIHEAP program. Eligibility requirements are the same for a renter as with a homeowner A. If the utility bill is included in the applicant’s rent, the applicant must provide either a copy of the applicants’ lease agreement or the “Landlord Verification Form” must be completed by the landlord detailing the heating/cooling arrangement with the renter. The lease agreement/Landlord Verification Form must include the amount of the utility cost as part of rent and the breakdown of the charges that make up the bill. All energy- related costs included in the bill will be the amount to be paid by LIHEAP to the energy vendor. B. If the lease agreement/verification form does not include an amount, the LIHEAP program will pay $100 per intake until the amount of the benefit matrix has been met. C. If the landlord completes the “Landlord Verification Form”, the landlord must agree to decrease the amount of the rent in the amount of the LIHEAP payment for the month after the LIHEAP payment has been made. If proof of deduction is not provided, the landlord will be in violation of the agreement and will be reported to MDHS – Office of Inspector General to be investigated.