Rental Assistance Available for Tenants and Landlords

By: Ireland O’Connell, Legal Intern, Volunteer Lawyers Program

Tenants and Landlords can apply for assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). An eligible household may receive up to $3,500 per month for both rent and utility assistance, depending on their need. Past-due balances dating back to March 2020 will be given priority. Future assistance will be allowed in three-month increments. Assistance is available for a maximum of 15 months. One-time assistance of up to $500 is available to landlords for court and attorney-related costs associated with each housing unit or renter. Assistance payments will be given directly to landlords and/or utility service providers.

How to Apply:

You can apply online using the ERAP portal (era.azdes.gov).

If you are unable to apply online, you can call the Emergency Rental Assistance Program hotline, 1-833-912-0878.

The call Center hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Mon-Fri.

You will need to provide a copy of your lease/rental agreement, photo ID, electricity and/or gas bill, disconnection notice

(if any), proof of income, eviction notice (if applicable) and proof or explanation of hardship, such as a termination letter.

If you are denied, you can appeal by submitting an ERAP Appeal Form or written request within 60 calendar days from the date of the

decision. You can find more information on the ERAP online portal.

Eligibility:

Eligible Counties are Apache, Graham, Navajo, Cochise, Greenlee, Pinal, Coconino, La Paz, Santa Cruz, Gila, Mohave, and Yavapai. If you are in a larger county, such as Pima, Maricopa, or Yuma, there are separate rental assistance programs. You can use the following link, https://azgeo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=b773a26e3d4744a5a79b84f58842ab40 which will direct you to your county’s program.
Renter has a risk of homelessness, housing instability, or unsafe living conditions demonstrated by the following: eviction notice, utility shutoff notice, past due rent notice, past due utility notice, any other evidence of unsafe or unhealthy living conditions or housing instability.
The renter or member of the renter’s household has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The renter’s household income is less than or equal to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). (See Chart Below)

Other Information:

Frequently Asked Questions for Landlords: https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/shelter-housing/emergency-rental-assistance/landlords-faqs

Frequently Asked Questions for Renters: https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/shelter-housing/emergency-rental-assistance/renters-faqs

Informational video on Emergency Rental Assistance Program: https://vimeo.com/521974898