(a) The County Executive must develop and operate a central referral service for the use of tenants, landlords, and government agencies. The operation of the referral service may be contracted to the Housing Opportunities Commission.
(b) Housing information and referral services to be offered must include, but are not limited to:
(1) Counseling services to tenants who need alternative housing or financial assistance;
(2) Validation of tenants' need for alternative housing;
(3) Determination of eligibility for available financial assistance for housing programs based upon income;
(4) Listing of agencies that can assist in locating housing;
(5) Listing of available financial assistance programs.
(c) In coordination with other public and private agencies, the Director must maintain a listing of the location and characteristics of vacant dwelling units, and their rent rates. (1978 L.M.C., ch. 12, § 1; 1984 L.M.C., ch. 30, § 2; 1995 L.M.C., ch. 17, § 1; 2000 L.M.C., ch. 32, § 1.)