Renters
What We Do
The City of Lakeland's Housing Office works to preserve and develop affordable housing within the city limits. We administer grant programs, but we do not manage an inventory of units or control the leasing of individual homes.
If you are a prospective renter looking for a place to live, please see the resources on this page.
United Way of Central Florida (2-1-1)
The United Way coordinates a variety of rental assistance services from emergency housing to independent living, security deposit assistance, landlord/tenant dispute resolution, and more.
To find community resources, you can dial 2-1-1 on a phone or visit: https://uwcf.org/211/
FloridaHousingSearch.org
FloridaHousingSearch.org is a free, statewide affordable rental housing locator. The site lists properties that have been financed by Florida Housing Finance Corporation as well as other government-subsidized or privately-owned properties that choose to participate.
The service can be accessed online 24 hours a day and is supported by a toll-free, bilingual call center from 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Monday-Friday: (877) 428-8844.
Our Florida
Our Florida is a federally funded program that supports people struggling with unpaid rent and utility bills. Eligible Florida renters can qualify for up to 18 months of rent and utility payments. This includes 18 months of past due rent and utilities and three months of forward-looking rent payments.
For more information: https://www.ourflorida.com/applicant-assistance/renters/
Lakeland Housing Authority
The mission of the Lakeland Housing Authority (LHA) is to provide quality affordable housing and self-sufficiency opportunities in Lakeland and Polk County. To accomplish that mission, LHA oversees Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Public Housing, affordable housing ownership, rental programs, and support service programming for residents.
For more information: https://lakelandhousing.org/Housing/
Homeless Coalition of Polk County
If you are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, the Homeless Coalition of Polk County can help. The coalition's clients include families, veterans, the disabled, youth aging out of foster care, people facing eviction, people fleeing domestic violence, and more. Homelessness can take many forms including sleeping in a car, doubling up with family members, or living in a motel.
For more information: https://polkhomeless.org/