Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Frequently Asked Questions for Landlords

What are the steps to participate?

1. Register as a landlord through the ERAP portal. You may register at any time, even before your tenant applies.
2. You will receive an email once your registration is approved. You may then proceed to initiating an application for your tenant or finish the application the tenant has initiated.

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. Once your registration is approved you will receive an email letting you know you can begin an application or login to an application that has already been started by your tenant. For each tenant/application you will need to provide the ledger or lease for the particular tenant, sign the Landlord Release of Tenant Liability, and provide proof of court/attorney related fees if you are seeking reimbursement. 

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

Yes, for each tenant, as part of agreeing to release the tenant from all liability including court judgments, you may receive reimbursement for up to $500 in legal costs and fees that the tenant would otherwise be legally obligated to pay. In the application, you will be asked to upload documentation for your legal costs and fees.

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 each application submitted by each tenant, approve the terms and conditions, upload your ledger or lease and provide proof of court or attorney fees incurred if you are requesting reimbursement.

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 after your initial registration is approved. At that point you can proceed with finishing the application for that specific tenant.

How will I be contacted?

After your tenant applies, you will be contacted by email up to 3 times within 21 calendar days to respond. If you do not respond after 21 days, the tenant’s application will be closed and they will need to reapply.

What file types can be uploaded?

PDF or JPEG files can be submitted. If a document is unclear, the agency will contact you to resubmit the information.

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

The best way to check the status of an application is to log into the application portal. If needed, you may contact the DES ERAP by phone at 1-833-912-0878 or secure google form at: https://forms.gle/HCk4XimFie4rDRWS6

If my tenant is a month-to-month renter. Are they 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.

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

If your tenant is in federally subsidized housing and their rent is adjusted according to changes in income, they are not eligible for assistance under the ERAP. Additionally, if your tenant or a member of their household received or is currently receiving benefits from any other rental or utility assistance program for the same period and same purpose as requested in the ERAP application, they will not be eligible for benefits.

What happens after my tenant has received 3 consecutive months of benefits?

If your tenant wishes to receive additional assistance after the third prospective month of benefits is received, they will be required to provide documentation demonstrating that they are still financially eligible for the program. Proof of the previous payment made to credit the tenant’s rent or utilities will also be required.

I provided my banking information and received payment from the ERAP program on my tenant’s behalf. What must I do with this payment?

Any payments received by the landlord under the ERAP must be used to credit the tenant’s rent (including utilities paid within rent) or rental arrears or fees associated with that rent as applied for on the ERAP application. Additionally, the landlord shall sign the Landlord Release of Tenant Liability as a condition of receiving ERAP 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, you will be sent a 1099 form for calendar year 2021.

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 and utility arrears must be paid in full prior to receiving any assistance for future rent or utility assistance. Additionally, payments for future rent and utility assistance can only be received in 3 month increments. If you would like to apply again on behalf of your tenant after 3 consecutive months, documentation proving their continued eligibility will be required.

Can I apply the funds to fees charged to my tenant related to their past due rent or utilities?

Yes. Fees related to past due rent and utilities are eligible to be paid under the ERAP.

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 or misrepresentation and/or fraud by the tenant and payment was received by you, the landlord, the State of Arizona will ask you to return the funds.