MOHAVE COUNTY – The County Board of Supervisors unanimously ratified and approved the Intergovernmental Agreement(IGA) between the County and the Arizona Department of Economic Security for the administration of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). This will provide financial relief for both Arizona renters and landlords.
As of now, landlords and renters in Mohave County are able to apply for the ERAP and can receive up to $3,500 a month in rent and utility assistance. The program expires on December 31. Applications will be accepted up to that date or until funding is depleted.
Eligibility is based on the following criteria:
- The renter’s household income is less than or equal to 80% of the Area Median Income.
- The renter or a member of the renter’s household is eligible for unemployment insurance benefits OR has experienced a financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic; and
- The renter is at risk of homelessness, housing instability, or unsafe living conditions.
While both renters and landlords may apply for assistance, eligibility is also based on the renter’s address and ability to meet the following federal criteria:
· The 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, Assistance priority will be given to renters with household incomes under 50% AMI and to those who have been unemployed 90 days or longer.
Applicants unable to apply online may apply by phone using the ERAP hotline once available.
In their application, renters will need to provide a copy of lease/rental agreement, photo ID, electricity and/or gas bill, disconnection notice (if any), proof of income, eviction notice (if applicable) and proof of hardship, such as a termination letter.
Arrears balances dating back to March 2020 will be given priority. Future assistance will be authorized 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.
Mohave County Community Services will be directing all community members with Wi-Fi or smartphone capabilities to register on the portal, which may be found at https://era.azdes.gov/. There is, also, an option to call to register if you do not have internet or a smart phone access. To utilize this option, please call (833) 912-0878.
Anyone with a disability, and those without internet or smartphone access, please call Mohave County Community Services at (928) 753-0723 to schedule an appointment to use our computers/smartphones to access ERAP portal.
The County’s Community Services Department (CSD) will, also, have two (2) full-time employees traveling throughout the County to assist members, who wish to register, in rural communities where internet is sparse or non-existent.
Applicants can appeal adverse actions by submitting an ERAP Appeal Form or written request within 60 calendar days from the date of decision or adverse action. More information regarding this process is available on the ERAP online portal.
The website just below contains all the specific information needed for those interested in gaining relief and accessing the funding through the ERAP – des.az.gov/ERAP
