Maricopa County Launches Eviction Prevention Initiative
In a bid to curb the rising eviction rates, Maricopa County has introduced the Eviction Prevention Pilot Program. This initiative, endorsed by the Board of Supervisors in May, aims to offer rental assistance to struggling residents, ultimately ensuring financial stability for property owners. Collaborating with the City of Phoenix, the program will also incorporate utility assistance and case management to enhance participant outcomes. HOM, Inc. will oversee the program, liaising with both property owners and tenants.
The program offers a one-time rental assistance to families facing difficulties preventing them from affording their monthly rent. Eligible households can receive up to $3,200 to cover as much as two months of rental arrears. The main objective is to preempt eviction proceedings in court.
Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 3, explained, “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.” She emphasized that the program ensures residents remain housed, allocating 100% of the funding towards rent.
Participants must meet specific eligibility criteria. Residents need to provide proof of lawful presence and evidence of financial hardship. Property owners are required to submit documentation, including the rental agreement, tenant ledger, W9, and other forms. Crucially, property owners must agree that the financial assistance received fully covers the rental arrears.
Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington remarked, “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.”
The program is funded with $800,000, targeting Phoenix zip codes with high eviction rates, primarily located in District 3 and District 5. Supervisor Steve Gallardo, representing District 5, commented, “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.” He further noted the importance of continued support post-assistance.
Guidance on the program’s framework was provided by the Arizona Multihousing Association (AMA), which will also aid in identifying participating property owners. Following the engagement of property owners, eligible residents will be informed of their potential qualification for assistance. The pilot is funded from Maricopa County’s FY 2027 budget.
The county plans to collect data from residents and property owners to evaluate the pilot program’s effectiveness and inform future initiatives.
For more details and a comprehensive list of required documentation, please visit Maricopa.gov/EvictionPrevention.
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