Maricopa County has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at curbing evictions through its Eviction Prevention Pilot Program. This effort, which was greenlit by the Board of Supervisors in May, seeks to offer critical rental assistance to residents, while simultaneously providing financial security for landlords. The County partners with the City of Phoenix, offering utility assistance and case management to boost the program’s effectiveness. HOM, Inc. is tasked with overseeing the program, directly engaging with both property owners and tenants.
The program offers one-time rental assistance to families facing financial struggles that hinder their ability to pay rent. Eligible households could receive up to $3,200 to cover as much as two months of back rent, aiming to prevent eviction cases from reaching the court system.
Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 3, stated, “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 will help residents avoid court and maintain housing stability, with all funds directed to rent.
Participation in the program requires both residents and property owners to meet specific criteria. Residents must present proof of lawful presence and evidence of financial hardship, while property owners need to provide a rental agreement, tenant ledger, W9, and other documentation. A crucial stipulation is that property owners must agree that payments made through the program fully cover the rental arrears and any eligible charges.
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.” She noted that the program encourages collaboration among residents, property owners, and courts to resolve issues quickly and keep families housed, reducing costs and stabilizing neighborhoods.
With $800,000 in funding, the program targets Phoenix zip codes experiencing high eviction rates, specifically in District 3 and predominantly District 5. Supervisor Steve Gallardo, 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 noted the importance of additional supports such as case management post-funding to ensure residents are not left without guidance.
The Arizona Multihousing Association (AMA) played a role in shaping the program’s structure and will aid in identifying participating property owners. Once property owners are involved, eligible residents will be notified about potential program benefits. The program is financed through Maricopa County’s FY 2027 budget.
Maricopa County plans to monitor the progress of the pilot by collecting data from residents and property owners, which will be crucial in determining the program’s future.
For further details and a complete list of required documentation, please visit Maricopa.gov/EvictionPrevention.
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