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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the Tucson Pima Eviction Prevention Program. 

Formerly an intergovernmental partnership between City of Tucson and Pima County, now being run by Pima County—this program provides rental and utility assistance to qualifying applicants to prevent housing instability, potential eviction, and financial hardships for tenants and landlords as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

CLICK HERE to begin the application process. Applying through the website is the most efficient method. All communication and application resources are available in English and Spanish.

Yes. This program allows for both Landlords/Property Managers AND Tenants to begin the application process and requires both parties to provide information and documentation. Open communication is highly encouraged between both parties, to expedite the process and recognize that we are all in this together.

View all eligibility requirements here.

Examples of a COVID-related hardship could include:

  • Loss of employment, furlough, or reduction of hours
  • Medical expenses as a result of COVID-19
  • An expected or unplanned cost as a result of COVID-19
  • Needing to care for a family member as a result of COVID-19
  • Needing to care for a child as a result of a school closure.

The program will prioritize cases based on the following factors:

  • Tenant Household Income (as % of AMI)
  • Time Unemployed
  • Months of Back Rent Owed
  • Risk of Homelessness / Unsafe Living Conditions
  • Date of Waitlist Application

This program is working collaboratively with both tenants and landlord/property owners and therefore each party is required to complete specific documentation.

Tenant required documents include:

  1. Any form of ID for the primary applicant (U.S. or non).
  2. Lease or housing agreement that matches the applicant and landlord names.
  1. Utility bill for each utility company if applying for utility assistance.
  1. Proof of income for all household members, which may include:
    • Most recent 60 calendar days’ worth of paystubs for all members of the household from the date of application
    • Tax documents for calendar year 2020, which may include:
      • 2020 IRS Form 1040
      • 2020 Form 1099
      • 2020 IRS Form W-2
    • Social Security checks, if applicable
    • Current Pension/Retirement Benefit letter, if applicable
    • Unemployment Insurance statements, if applicable
    • Current Annuity Payment letter, if applicable
    • Statements from any other type of ongoing household income aside from SNAP benefits

Documentation/proof of Housing Instability due to COVID-19 financial hardship. Examples of documentation may include:

    • Notice of eviction
    • Past due notice of rent or past due utility bill
    • Shutoff notice from utility company
    • Proof of unsafe living conditions.

Landlord required documents include:

  1. IRS form W-9
  2. Landlord/Property Manager Proof of Identity
  3. Proof of fees (if applicable)

PLEASE NOTE: In order to assure that this federal allocation is administered appropriately, additional documentation may be requested prior to funding approval. 

A household is defined as all persons occupying the same housing unit, regardless of age and/or relationship to each other.

Countable income for purposes of determining eligibility include:

  • Income from employment, including self-employment (includes wages, salaries, tips, etc.) as evidenced by a 1099 tax form or pay stubs
  • Income from Social Security benefits
  • Income from Unemployment Insurance, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
  • All other consistent income received from other sources
  • All income from all household members (including dependants and students)

SPECIAL NOTE: You do NOT have to count the federal stimulus checks you have received during the pandemic.

The assistance will be paid directly to your landlord or utility provider.

The program is accepting applications and will remain open until all available funds have been committed. The duration of the program will depend on the number of eligible applicants. We recommend you apply as soon as possible.

Per federal guidelines, documentation of household legal status is not required and there are no restrictions on who can apply as long as they meet income and other economic hardship eligibility requirements.

If you just need utility assistance, you can apply as long as you are a renter. Individuals and families who are in need of utility assistance are strongly advised to communicate directly with your utility company, as well as, apply for support. CLICK HERE to see additional available resources and for local utility company information.

No. This program provides residential rental assistance. Homeowners who are not landlords who are in need of mortgage and/or utility assistance are encouraged to visit the AZ Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF).

Yes. Falsification of documents or any material falsehoods or omissions in an Application to this program, including knowingly seeking duplicative benefits, is subject to state and federal criminal penalties. Landlords and tenants are particularly put on notice that 18 U.S.C. §1001 provides, among other things, that whoever knowingly and willingly makes or uses a document or writing containing any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States will be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY