Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention/Rental Assistance and Utility Relief Program ⋆ Rental and Utility Assistance

Behind on Rent Payments?

TUCSON AND PIMA COUNTY EVICTION PREVENTIOn/Rental Assistance and Utility Relief PROGRAM

In late August of 2020, Community Investment Corporation (CIC) contracted with Pima County and the City of Tucson to develop and manage a dynamic online platform that would expedite the distribution of CARES Act funding to prevent evictions in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Family Housing Resources is one of ten (10) regional nonprofit agencies supporting the Eviction Prevention/Rental Assistance and Utility Relief program by processing cases as they were submitted into the system by both tenants and landlords.

Program Status

U.S. Congress passed a stimulus bill in December 2020 that allocates additional rental assistance funding for those who’ve been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The City of Tucson and Pima County are working with several service agencies including Family Housing Resources (FHR) to administer $27.1 million in rental and utility assistance. This program offers both Tenants AND Landlords/Property Managers the opportunity to begin the application process and requires both parties to provide information, documentation and agree to mutual resolution for housing stability. Open communication is highly encouraged between both parties, to smoothly navigate through this process.

As of April 1, 2021 case processing has begun, there is currently a 5,000+ backlog of applicants. It is anticipated to take 2 – 3 months to complete the backlog of current cases. This program is specific to those in need of rental assistance who may also be behind on utilities.

To learn more and/or apply, please click the button below.
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Eligibility Requirements (as defined by the Federal Goverment)

TENANTS

Tenant Requirements

Total renter household income is at/or below eighty percent (80%) Area Median Income (“AMI”) as established by HUD. SEE CHART BELOW.
Renter is eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits or has experienced financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Renter has a demonstrated risk of homelessness, housing instability, or is residing in unsafe living conditions.
Renter’s household is experiencing a financial crisis due to COVID-19, which may include:
- - Reduction or loss of income;
  - Health and safety concerns; or
  - Crisis event that can be supported with documentation connecting it to COVID-19.
  - Lease aligns with the assistance requested.
Emergency Rental Assistance, for costs identified in Landlord/Tenant Rent Arrears Settlement Agreement & Payment Plan, including, but is not limited to:
- - Current and all unpaid rent due after March 1, 2020.
  - Security deposit and first month’s rent up to 30 days prior to move-in date.
  - Utilities including electric, gas, propane, etc.
  - Reasonable court and legal fees incurred by the landlord in filing for eviction.
  - Other eligible costs as approved by County

Tenant Requirement Documentation

Tenant Application (provided by case worker)
Proof of Identity – Person whose ID is provided must be on the lease
ID of any form (U.S. or non), ideally with photo or signature
Proof of Housing Instability (any of the following):

- Past Due Rent
- Utility Notice
- Court Case Paperwork

Evidence of Unsafe/Unhealthy Living Conditions
Income Verification (any of the following):

· If you have been income qualified by an agency or government entity at or below 80% AMI for the 2020 calendar year, provide award. e.g. SNAP Benefit, AHCCCS, TANF, etc

- Determination Letter for Unemployment Benefits
- Copy of Household’s 2020 Tax Returns
- Last two months of paystubs (can provide bank statements showing direct deposit in lieu of paystubs)

If you are behind on utilities and requesting assistance:

Most recent utility bill(s):·

- A utility bill is required from EACH utility company owed
- Must show name, address, and account number

LANDLORDS & PROPERTY MANAGERS

This is a voluntary program, and the proactive participation of landlords and property managers in cooperation with tenants will dramatically speed up the processing of assistance payments on behalf of the tenants.

Documents needed to prove a landlord/tenant relationship will be able to be securely uploaded and submitted through the portal. Additionally, payment agreements will be able to be executed through the portal. Landlords and property managers will also be able to securely submit ACH bank information through the portal to facilitate payments within 48 hours of the full completion of and approval of tenant applications.

Landlord Requirements

Landlord agrees to Eviction Payment Plan with renter, which includes:
- Commitment not to further pursue eviction during period covered;
- Reversing/withdrawing eviction proceedings
- Providing additional documentation (e.g. lease agreement, proof of last payment made, etc.)

Landlord Required Documentation

In addition to all required information for the Tenant, below is a list of what will be required from Landlords to receive payment.

Government-issued legal identification
Current Lease
Verification of last payment from the tenant
W-9
5-Day Notice, 30-Day Notice, or other proof that tenant is in the eviction process
Copy of Blank Check for Payment Purposes
Completed Landlord EP Payment Form (provided to Landlord)