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Arizona Rental Assistance Program (ARAP) Frequently Asked Questions for Landlords

The information contained on this page is temporarily maintained for archival purposes and to support the continued processing of existing applications.

Application

What are the steps to participate?

  1. Register as a landlord at the Housing Stability and Utility Assistance Programs website. You may register at any time, even before your tenant applies. You will receive an email once your registration is approved.
  2. After registration is complete, you may either:
    1. Submit an application for your tenant if your tenant has not already applied. Your tenant will then need complete the application
    2. Finish an application your tenant has initiated if you received a notification that your tenant applied for assistance.
  3. Once the application is completed and approved, you will receive your tenant’s eligible benefit payment directly.

Can I apply on behalf of my tenant?

Yes, a landlord may begin applications on behalf of their tenants and are considered co-applicants. The tenant’s contact information will be needed in order to complete the application so that the tenant may be contacted to provide income information and other eligibility documents.

What if my tenant begins their own application?

If the tenant begins the application, the landlord will be notified by email that a tenant has added them as a landlord. After registering for the first time, you will receive an email notifying you that your registration is complete. At that point you can proceed with finishing an application for your tenant.

How do I check the status of my tenant’s application?

The best way to check the status of an application is to login to your account. If needed, you may also reach us by phone at 1 (833) 912-0878.

How will I be contacted once my tenant has applied?

After your tenant applies, you will be contacted by email 3 times within 5 calendar days.

Do I have to re-register if multiple tenants apply?

No, you will not be required to register multiple times. However, you will be required to approve applications submitted by each tenant, approve the terms and conditions, and upload your ledger and lease agreement for each application.

What do I need to provide?

  1. In order to register as a landlord, you will need to provide your W-9 and bank account information.
  2. For each tenant/application you will need to provide a ledger and lease for the particular tenant, and agree to the attestation in the online portal by clicking the checkbox. This acts as your online acknowledgement.

Will I be notified if my application is determined to be ineligible for assistance?

Yes. You will be notified by email if your application was denied. You may also view the application status by logging in to your account. If you disagree with the denial, you may request reconsideration, and/or file an appeal (see Grievances Section for more information).

Will I be notified if my application is determined to be eligible for rental assistance?

Yes. You will be notified by email if your application is approved. You may also review the application status by logging in to your account.

Eligibility

If my tenant is a month-to-month renter, is the household still eligible to receive assistance?

Yes, occupying a rental residence on a month-to-month basis is considered a valid and current tenancy. However, there must be a written agreement, such as a lease, between yourself and your tenant. All other conditions of eligibility must be met as well.

Does my tenant qualify if they are in Section-8, other federally subsidized housing, or receiving other benefits or assistance?

If your tenant is in federally subsidized housing and their rent is adjusted according to changes in income, they are eligible for assistance for their non-subsidized portion of rent. Additionally, if your tenant or a member of their household received or is currently receiving rental assistance benefits from any other source, they are eligible for benefits only for the uncovered portion of their rent.

If my tenant previously received benefits under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), are they eligible?

If the tenant received rental assistance benefits under ERAP, the tenant is not eligible for Arizona Rental Assistance. If the tenant received utility-only assistance, and did not receive rental assistance, the tenant is eligible.

Benefits

How much can eligible applicants expect to receive in assistance?

Eligible households may receive assistance equal to three (3) times the household’s monthly rent obligation, not to exceed $10,500. Program benefits may be used to cover rental arrears, future rent, and rent late fees and penalties.

Can I receive reimbursement for attorney/court fees I have incurred as a result of litigation regarding nonpayment of rent?

No. Arizona Rental Assistance covers only rental arrears, current and future rent, and rent fees and penalties.

I provided my banking information and received an Arizona Rental Assistance payment on my tenant’s behalf. What must I do with this payment?

Any Arizona Rental Assistance payments received by the landlord must be used to credit the tenant’s rent or arrears. Late fees charged according to terms of the lease are eligible rent expenses.

Additionally, the landlord shall agree to the Landlord Release of Tenant Liability as a condition of receiving payment and shall agree not to remove for failure to pay rent for the months in which assistance was received. Any disputes arising out of the Landlord Release of Tenant Liability shall be resolved in an Arizona court of competent jurisdiction according to Arizona law, and not as a small claims lawsuit without the tenant's consent.

Is the payment I receive taxable income?

Yes, please refer to the IRS websitefor more information. You will be sent a 1099 form for participating calendar years.

Can I apply the funds I receive for my tenant’s future rent balance?

Yes, the rental assistance can be credited towards your tenant’s future rents. However, rental arrears must be paid in full prior to making any payment toward future rents.

Will I be responsible for reimbursing the State of Arizona for any payment that is determined to be an overpayment or fraudulent request?

Yes. If there is an overpayment, misrepresentation, and/or fraud and payment was received by you, the landlord, the State of Arizona will ask you to return the funds.

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