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 Resident Portal FAQs

 

How do I register?

In order to register you have to have an email address, and the registration code that was provided to you by mail or email. 

  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Select “Click here to register” which is listed under your email and password fields
  • Enter your registration code that was provided to you in the box provided and click “Go”. The registration code starts with 1763-t followed by your t-code
  • Complete all the required fields and click “Register”

Issues with registration?

ERROR: The registration code you entered does not match our records:

  • Please make sure you enter the registration code that was provided to you. The registration code starts with 1763-t followed by your t-code. NO SPACES at the end.
  • If you continue receiving this error message, please contact the HOC Call Center at 240-627-9400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a screenshot of the error message.

 

ERROR: The email address you entered does not match our records:

  • Please make sure you enter the the correct email address with NO SPACES at the end.
  • If you continue receiving this error message, please contact the HOC Call Center at 240-627-9400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a screenshot of the error message.

 

ERROR: The Social Security Number you entered does not match our records:

  • Please make sure you enter your social security number with NO SPACE at the end of it.
  • Please try to enter with a dash “-” and without it.
  • If you continue receiving this error message, please contact your Housing Specialist and make sure HOC has the correct SSN for you. You can also contact  the HOC Call Center at 240-627-9400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a screenshot of the error message.

 

MESSAGE: There is an existing account tied to your email address:

When you receive this error message, it means that your email is already registered in RentCafe. You might have applied for a property that uses RentCafe, or you applied with another Housing Authority.

You have two options:

Option 1

  • Click on Use My Existing Account button.
  • Type in your password. If you don’t remember your password, click on Forgot Password function and a link will be emailed to you.
  • Once you successfully sign into your account, click on Register with Another Code tile.
  • Type in the registration code that was provided to you, 1763-t followed by your t-code. Remember there should be two letters “T”.

Option 2

  • During the registration process use another email address that is not previously used.
  • Use the same registration code that was provided to you, 1763-t followed by your t-code.
  • If you continue receiving this error message, please contact the HOC Call Center at 240-627-9400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a screenshot of the error message.

How do I send documents for signature?

The Head of Household who is completing the recertification workflow, can invite other household members to sign the documents by following the steps below:

  • Click on the “Click Here to Invite” button
  • Type in the email address of the person you want to invite. Make sure there are NO SPACES after the email address
  • Type in the email address again in the Confirm Email Address box
  • Include any message you would like
  • Click on “Send Invitation”

How to sign the documents - Invitees?

Once the Head of Household sends the invitation to sign the documents, the invitee/recipient will receive an email from RENTCafe. The invited household member can sign the documents by following the steps below:

  • Click on the URL (link) in the email or copy/paste it into the browser to CREATE and CONFIRM New Password
  • Enter the password in both data fields
  • Click on “Change Password”
  • Once the password is created, the screen will direct them back to Resident Portal Login. 
  • The invitee will need to enter the email address used from the invitation that was sent AND the password recently created. DO NOT click Forgot Password at this stage!
  • Upon successful login, the invitee should see the Applications & Certifications menu and the ability to Sign/Upload Documents
  • Click on Sign/Upload Documents to begin uploading documents for their name
  • Once the requested documents are uploaded, the invitee (household member) can proceed with “Click Here to Sign” to sign the Household and Member Documents for their name

 

REMINDER: 

  • Make sure the customer cleared their browser and any pop-up blockers
  • Make sure there are no extra spaces in the email address
  • If customers received an INVALID LOGIN message, that means they entered their email and/or password incorrectly

Can I submit a paper recertification?

If you don’t have access to a computer, internet or need to complete a paper recertifcation, you can request a hard copy from your caseworker/Housing Specialist. Once you complete the paper recertification you can either email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. OR This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You can also mail or drop off the completed packet along with the supporting documents at one of the offices listed below. There are boxes available at each location:

  • Silver Spring Customer Service Center: 880 Bonifant Street, Silver Spring 20910. Ph.: 240-627-9793
  • Gaithersburg Customer Service Center: 101 Lake Forest Blvd, #200, Gaithersburg, 20877. Ph.: 240-627-9792

How do I submit an Interim (Report a Change)?

  • Go to https://www.hocmcrc.org/
  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Enter your email address and password, click on “Sign In”
    • If you do not remember your password, click on “Forgot Password?” 
  • You will be redirected to to your dashboard
  • Click on “Report A Change” tile
  • Click on “Report A Change” button
  • Select Your Preferred Language and click “Next”
  • Walk through each step, update the information and upload the necessary documents.

How do I submit an Annual Recertification?

  • Go to https://www.hocmcrc.org/
  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Enter your email address and password, click on “Sign In”
    • If you do not remember your password, click on “Forgot Password?” 
  • You will be redirected to your dashboard
  • Click on “Certification” tile
  • Click on “View” button
  • Select Your Preferred Language and click “Next”
  • Walk through each step, update the information and upload the necessary documents.

How do I know who my Caseworker is?

  • Go to https://www.hocmcrc.org/
  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Enter your email address and password, click on “Sign In”
    • If you do not remember your password, click on “Forgot Password?” 
  • You will be redirected to your dashboard
  • Click on “Basic Information” tile, and you will see your Caseworker’s Name and contact information

How do I know what my rent portion is?

  • Go to https://www.hocmcrc.org/
  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Enter your email address and password, click on “Sign In”
  • You will be redirected to your dashboard
  • Click on “Basic Information” tile, and you will see your rent portion under “Tenant Rent”

How do I know how much and when my landlord is paid?

  • Go to https://www.hocmcrc.org/
  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Enter your email address and password, click on “Sign In”
  • You will be redirected to your dashboard
  • Click on the “Housing Assistance Payments” tile, and you will see the details of payments sent to the landlord on your behalf.

How do I find out when my certification date?

  • Go to https://www.hocmcrc.org/
  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Enter your email address and password, click on “Sign In”
  • You will be redirected to your dashboard
  • Click on the “Basic Information” tile, and you will see the Next Certification Due date.

How do I know who is currently listed as part of my household?

  • Go to https://www.hocmcrc.org/
  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Enter your email address and password, click on “Sign In”
  • You will be redirected to your dashboard
  • Click on the “Family Information” tile
  • Select “Member” and you will see a list of everyone listed as part of your household.

How do I know my household’s reported income?

  • Go to https://www.hocmcrc.org/
  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Enter your email address and password, click on “Sign In”
  • You will be redirected to your dashboard
  • Click on the “Family Information” tile
  • Select “Income” and you will see a list of your household member’s names and their reported income.

How do I know my household’s reported assets?

  • Go to https://www.hocmcrc.org/
  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Enter your email address and password, click on “Sign In”
  • You will be redirected to your dashboard
  • Click on the “Family Information” tile
  • Select “Assets” and you will see a list of your household member’s names and their reported income.

How do I find information about the inspections?

  • Go to https://www.hocmcrc.org/
  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Enter your email address and password, click on “Sign In”
  • You will be redirected to your dashboard
  • Click on the “Inspection” tile and you will see a list of all inspections as well as the results.

Where can I find copies of letters emailed to me?

  • Go to https://www.hocmcrc.org/
  • Select “Resident Login”
  • Enter your email address and password, click on “Sign In”
  • You will be redirected to your dashboard
  • Click on the “Family Information” tile
  • Select “Documents” and you will see a list of the documents that were emailed to you.