The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) has established an Emergency Rental Assistance Program that offers rent and utility assistance made necessary because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to $3,500 is available for eligible renters monthly for a period of up to 18 months. This amount includes rent and utility assistance.

To receive assistance, applications must be submitted by both tenants and landlords. The 12 Arizona counties eligible for assistance are:


Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Mohave
Navajo
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai


Tenants living in Maricopa, Pima, and Yuma are not eligible for assistance through this program. They may be eligible for the following programs run by their city or county:

Maricopa County (exclusive of Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Glendale)
Phoenix - Phone: (602) 534-2433
Phoenix: Phone: (602) 604-0640
Mesa: Phone: (480) 644-5440
Chandler: Phone: (480) 963-1423 X118
Gilbert
Glendale
Pima County
Tucson
Yuma County: Phone: (928) 782-1886

Tenants in all 15 counties in Arizona are eligible for utility assistance through local community action programs. Visit the DES community action webpage to find a program in your area.

How to Qualify


Tenants are eligible for assistance according to where they live and whether or not they meet the following federal guidelines:
Tenant is risking homelessness because one of the following conditions

  • Received a notice of past due rent

  • Received an eviction notice

  • Received a notice of past due utilities

  • Received a notice of utility shutoff

  • Have evidence of unhealthy or unsafe housing conditions


AND

  • Tenant or other member of household has been adversely impacted by COVID

  • Tenant’s gross annual income doesn’t not exceed 80% of the area median income

How do you apply?


Tenants can apply by going to the DES Emergency Assistance Program page. Tenants will need the following documents to complete the application:

  • Lease agreement

  • Proof of income

  • Photo identification

  • Utility bill

  • Eviction notice (if any)

  • Disconnection notice (if any)

  • Explanation of hardship (ie. termination letter)


If you are unable to apply online, call toll free: 833-912-0878.

Tenants who only need utility assistance can apply through Easy Apply. The application process is streamlined and allows tenants to receive assistance faster. You must provide copies of your utility bills and answer eligibility questions.

FAQ


Landlord
How do I participate?
First you must register through the ERAP portal. After your registration is approved, you will get an email notice. At this time, you may start an application for a tenant or complete an application a tenant has begun.

What do I need to identify myself as a landlord?
You must verify your identity through id.me. You will only have to do this once. After this step is completed, you will input your tax and banking information.

Can I be reimbursed for court and attorney’s fees incurred as a result of rent nonpayment litigation?
Yes. You can get a maximum of $500 in legal fees per tenant. You will be required to submit verifying documentation in regard to legal fees and costs in order to get the $500 reimbursement.

Do I have to register each tenant individually?
No. You do have to approve every application submitted by a tenant, upload your ledger and proof of legal fees to receive reimbursement.

I have month to month renters. Are they eligible for assistance?
Yes. You will have to provide a current lease or rental agreement however.

Renters
What is included in household income?

  • Employment income (including self-employment income) verified by pay stubs or 1099 tax form

  • Income from Social Security

  • Unemployment income (This includes Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation)

  • Income from other sources


You must provide income information for all household members who are eighteen or older. Income earned by minor children is not considered.
SNAP and TANF benefits are not included as income.

Am I eligible if I am currently receiving another type of rental or utility assistance?
If the assistance is for the same time period and reason, you may not be eligible. If you’re living in federally funded housing where your rent is adjusted according to your income, you can only receive assistance for the portion of your rent that is not subsidized. Examples of subsidized housing:
Section 8
USDA Housing Voucher
Project based Rent Assistance

What qualifies as “COVID hardship”?

  • Job loss, reduction in hours, furlough

  • COVID related medical expenses

  • COVID related unexpected costs

  • COVID related care of family member

  • Caring for child because school is closed

If I don’t have any written agreement with my landlord, can I still get help?
No. Residential occupancy is only considered valid if there is a current, written lease in place.