Maricopa County Eviction Prevention Pilot Launches, Serves High-Risk Communities

Today, Maricopa County announced the launch of the Eviction Prevention Pilot Program. This pilot, formally approved by the Board of Supervisors in May, will provide needed rental assistance for residents, and in turn, financial stability for property owners. Maricopa County is partnering with the City of Phoenix, which will provide utility assistance and case management to ensure positive outcomes for program participants going forward. HOM, Inc. will administer the program and engage directly with property owners and residents.

Today, Maricopa County announced the launch of the Eviction Prevention Pilot Program. This pilot, formally approved by the Board of Supervisors in May, will provide needed rental assistance for residents, and in turn, financial stability for property owners. Maricopa County is partnering with the City of Phoenix, which will provide utility assistance and case management to ensure positive outcomes for program participants going forward. HOM, Inc. will administer the program and engage directly with property owners and residents. The program provides one-time rental assistance to families experiencing a hardship that prevents them from being able to pay that month's rent. Eligible households could be allocated as much as $3,200 to pay for up to two months of rental arrears. The program is designed to intervene before an eviction case goes through the court system. "The purpose of this pilot is to identify a potential eviction case early on, thus avoiding late fees and legal fees for both parties. Many Maricopa County residents dedicate most of their monthly income directly towards their rent. When an accident happens, they are forced to redirect their limited funds, leaving them with no way to pay for the roof over their heads," said Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 3. "This pilot program will ensure those residents stay out of the courtroom and will have the resources to maintain their housing stability. One hundred percent of the funding goes towards rent." Residents and property owners must meet the program's conditions. Residents must provide proof of lawful presence, along with documentation that supports a financial hardship. The property owner must provide documentation of the rental agreement, a tenant ledger, W9 and other forms; and must agree that payment received fully satisfies the rental arrears. A key condition of receiving financial assistance includes the property owner agreeing that the amounts paid by the program fully satisfy the covered rental arrears and eligible charges. "Too many households in our hardest hit neighborhoods live one emergency away from losing their home. I am grateful for our partnership with the County to implement a pilot that will direct help where it is needed most and that will pair assistance with follow-up support, so families aren't left on their own after the rent is paid. Additionally, most property owners want resolution, not eviction. This pilot invites owners to partner with residents and the courts to resolve the issue swiftly and keep households housed. Together, we can reduce costs, reduce eviction filings, and deliver the stability that benefits families, owners, and our neighborhoods alike," said Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington. The $800,000 program funding will be directed towards City of Phoenix zip codes with elevated eviction rates. Those zip codes, which are in District 3 and predominantly District 5, include: 85008 85040 85041 85042 "District 5 has some of the highest eviction rates in Maricopa County, so for my constituents to be an emphasis for this pilot program ensures meaningful outcomes will occur for families who need it most," said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5. "For this program to also focus on continued supports like case management after the resident is funded also lets them know they aren't going to be thrown to the wind once their rent is paid. Maricopa County and its partners will be alongside them during their most trying times." The Arizona Multihousing Association (AMA) provided guidance on program structure and will also assist Maricopa County with identifying participating property owners. Once property owners are engaged, residents who would benefit from the program will be notified of possible eligibility. The pilot program is funded from Maricopa County's FY 2027 budget. The County will follow up with residents and property owners and develop data to determine the pilot program's future. For more information and a full list of required documentation, please visit Maricopa.gov/EvictionPrevention.